Leeds dad completes Three Peaks Challenge for Yorkshire Cancer Research

A Leeds dad has raised £1,600 for Yorkshire Cancer Research after completing the National Three Peaks Challenge.

Ed Raw decided to take on the tough hike to help fund life-saving research in Yorkshire after his dad’s wife, Marilyn, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

He said: “It was important to me to support a local charity because it’s work funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research that has helped my dad and Marilyn. It’s a charity that’s close to our hearts.”

His dad, Barry, added: “I was amazed when he said he was going to do the challenge. I’d never even heard of the National Three Peaks so when he explained to me what they had to do, I couldn’t believe it.

“It means a lot to the family that he did it for Yorkshire Cancer Research. They’re an important charity at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, where Marilyn is being treated.”

Ed, who grew up in Leeds and now lives in Devon with his two children, took on the highest peaks of Scotland, England, and Wales in June. He finished the challenge in 23 hours.

Ed said: “In the past I’ve done bike rides and completed a few marathons, but this is my first big walking challenge.

“It’s something that’s been on my bucket list for a while so I thought I would finally tick it off this year.”

The 24-hour challenge saw Ed scale Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon; a journey of 23 miles with a total ascent of 3,064 metres.

Ed said: “It was a tough challenge. When I finished, I said I’d never do anything like that again, but I soon changed my mind on that.

“The most difficult one for me was Snowdon. I had to dig deep for the last bit. I ended up running the last two miles down to make sure I finished it on time.”

He continued: “At first, I set my fundraising target at £500 but I quickly passed that, so I decided to set a new target of £1,000.

“People have been so generous and supportive. It’s a difficult time for everyone financially so it means a lot that people have donated to support me and to help raise funds for the charity.”

The funds raised by Ed will help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in the region.