Calan and his partner Sophie happily announced they were expecting a baby in May 2023. However, only a week and a half later, Calan started to experience chest pains and heart palpitations and he was diagnosed with cancer of an unknown primary source (CUP).
Calan was admitted to our Warwick Myton Hospice where the couple got engaged. Sadly, Calan died on 19th August 2023.
On the first anniversary of Calan’s death, colleagues and friends, Sarah and Harrison, wanted to take on a big challenge to help raise funds for The Myton Hospices.
Sarah said:
Calan told us he wanted to climb Ben Nevis for his birthday last year which was the inspiration behind this challenge. In the spirit of adventure, which Calan had in abundance, we decided to up the stakes and climb the three highest peaks in the UK in 24 hours, Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis. This is 23 miles of climbing, a combined 10,052 feet in ascent and 462 miles of driving!
Sarah and Harrison took to the mountains on Saturday 10th August.
Sarah continued:
It was a lot harder than I expected, and I expected it to be tough! The weather on Ben Nevis made the conditions really difficult to navigate and meant we had to have a quick change out of our soggy gear before jumping in the van to drive to Scafell Pike. It was tough not having proper sleep and the aches and pains really started to kick in before we got to Snowdon, but seeing the sunrise as we climbed up the last mountain was definitely a highlight.
Harrison added:
The challenge was pretty tough, the hardest part was resting for a few hours and then having to do an entire mountain again. The views and scenery were just incredible though – definitely an experience I won’t forget!
Sarah and Harrison commented on the difficulties of the challenge:
Driving past the local motorway junction near where we live at 3am en route to Snowdon was challenging! We’ve never wanted to head home for a cup of tea more! Plus we’ve never been so sore!
But reaching the peak of Ben Nevis was amazing. With Calan wanting to climb that mountain for his birthday, it was a pretty emotional moment for us when we got to the top. The views and feeling of achievement was incredible.
The pair raised an incredible £2,845, smashing their target of £1,500!
Sarah said:
We’re over the moon with how much we’ve raised. It was a physically and emotionally draining experience but one I certainly won’t forget. I’m proud to be Calan’s friend and to have done this in his memory. And I’m grateful he inspired us to do it!
Harrison added:
I’m extremely proud of our challenge and how much it’s raised. The money can make such a difference to a charity that supported Calan and his family in the most unimaginably difficult circumstances!
Everyone at The Myton Hospices would like to say a big thank you to Sarah, Harrison and everyone who supported their amazing challenge.
The support of our community, and people like Sarah and Harrison, is crucial in helping us make sure people like Calan and his family can receive the care they need. Thank you!
Feeling inspired? Why not join #TeamMyton for our upcoming Snowdon Challenge?
On Saturday 28th June, experience the spectacular views at the Summit of Snowdon, Wales’s tallest mountain. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience and sign up for just £20!
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