Brothers Josh and Sam Williams, of Ulverston, have paid the highest possible tribute in the land to support their mum Ann, with her brave fight against cancer.
The duo, along with six friends and colleagues from Impact, have just returned from climbing the three highest peaks in Britain – Snowdon in Wales, Scafell Pike in Cumbria and Ben Nevis in Scotland – raising nearly £11,000 in sponsorship money, which will be split equally between Rosemere Cancer Foundation and through Bay Hospitals Charity, the Oncology Department at Furness General Hospital.
The donation, raised through their online giving page, is a thank you for the care and treatment Ann has been receiving in Barrow and at Rosemere Cancer Centre, the region’s specialist cancer treatment centre at the Royal Preston Hospital, since she was re-diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2017 after a decade in remission.
But not only did Josh (27), Sam (30) and their team reach all three summits, they also cycled the 435 miles (700km) in between the mountains. Amazingly, this was the first registered attempt by a mixed team to take on the challenge and as a result, they have set a new record!
Meanwhile dad David boosted their fundraising by taking on his own sponsored challenge to complete the final 73 mile (117.5km) leg of the Camino de Compostela (Way of St James) in Spain.
Josh, an instructor in the operations team at Impact, said: “Although the challenges were tough, there were lots of laughs and good times along the way. This contrasts to the real challenges we see when we accompany mum for her treatments and of people fighting cancer. These are the real heroes and this is why we wanted to raise as much money as possible for two amazing charities that are close to our hearts.”
David, founder and CEO at Impact, added: “Our family has drawn tight in around Ann and she is never alone, but the stresses and strains are immense. It is so hard to break free from the cycle of anxiety that comes with the routine of treatment, tests and results.
“If my walk and my sons’ far more ambitious challenge gives just one person the motivation to carry on in times of adversity or helps them to share with others how they are feeling, when everything around them seems to be going wrong, then it will have been well worth it.”
Joining Josh and Sam on their cycle/climbing challenge were Impact colleagues Andy Dickson, Izzy Cambray, Simon Brown, David and Emma Milligan plus Dan Jones, who was the team’s support man. They were also joined by family, friends and colleagues at stages during the event, all of whom contributed to motivating the team on their challenge.
Rosemere Cancer Foundation works to bring world class cancer treatments and services to cancer patients from throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria being treated at Rosemere Cancer Centre and at another eight local hospital cancer units across the two counties, including those at Furness and Westmorland General Hospitals.
The charity funds cutting edge equipment, research, training and other cancer services and therapies that the NHS is unable to afford. For further information on its work, including how to make a donation, visit www.rosemere.org.uk
Bay Hospitals Charity is a registered charity that raises funds and supports UHMBT’s five hospital sites. Donations received go to providing those little extras that help make the hospital experience better or improve outcomes for patients. Money is used to fund additional medical equipment, medical research, specialist training and service improvements. To find out more and make a donation, call in to the Bay Hospitals Charity office or visit Bay Hospitals Charity’s website at www.bayhospitalscharity.org
