A Cumbrian man living with incurable cancer has set off on a farewell tour of the Wainwrights to help fulfil his dream of helping others with the disease.
Ian Teasdale, 64, who lives near Keswick, is climbing all 214 Wainwrights as part of a project he has called Terminal Hillness.
He wants to raise £21,400 for Maggie’s and said he hoped the cash would help bring wraparound care for people with cancer in north Cumbria.
Maggie’s operates centres near hospitals across the country to offer people diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones support. The nearest centre for Cumbria is in Newcastle.
Ian said: “The money raised will go towards increased outreach and provision of general support. My dream is to sow the seeds for a permanent drop-in centre – a Maggie’s for Cumbria.
“Maggie’s Centres are warm and welcoming places – all free of charge. The support can be emotional, psychological, advice on treatment and financial matters – or simply a cup of tea, companionship, a chat with those who understand, and somewhere beautiful and peaceful to sit.”
He said since his diagnosis, he had become an active campaigner for improved cancer support.
Ian said: “Cancer will directly affect one in two of us at some point – and touch almost everyone in some way. It can be lonely and frightening experience. No cancer is easy – support is crucial.
“Cancer is 24/7 and it never really leaves you. It occupies your life. Outside the doors of our wonderful NHS, long-term support is fragmentary, reliant on volunteers and often unsustainable. This is certainly my experience. However, the help which is available is invaluable and has certainly enhanced my life.
“There are many important issues in cancer care that require action and change.
“They range from sustainable non-clinical support for everyone, improved provision by the hospice sector, and targeted research to provide both earlier diagnosis and more effective personalised treatment programmes. I wish that I could solve it all – for everyone, everywhere.
“Obviously, I can’t – but I intend to do what I can while I can.”
He said he was lucky enough to still be physically active – despite major surgery and chemotherapy – and wanted to attempt the farewell round of the Wainwrights.
On his Just Giving page, he said: “I’m a husband, a father, an avid mountain lover, a theoretical physicist – and more! I am also living with incurable cancer.
“Doing the Wainwrights involves climbing 214 hills and mountains – representing the very best of the beauty that is Cumbria’s Lake District.
“I have set a target of £21,400. I’m aware that this is a big ask. But it’s only £100 per Wainwright and importantly, it will provide the basis of cancer support for around a year.
To support Ian’s Terminal Hillness project, visit his Just Giving page here
