Community News From Around Our Area

Three Peaks for Alzheimer’s Society

Jonny Mort, along with several friends, is attempting the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

Jonny and some of his friends are hoping to do the Three Peaks Challenge within 24 hours in June this year. The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of England, Scotland and Wales. The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km), and the total ascent is 3064 metres. The three mountains they will be climbing are Ben Nevis in Scotland (1345m), Scafell Pike in England (978m) and Snowdon in Wales (1085m).

They have decided to undertake this challenge to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society, as it is a charity that is close to many of them in different ways. Jonny has had a personal experience that led him to this decision because his Nana, Barbara Bevins, unfortunately suffered with Alzheimer’s disease before she sadly lost her battle to Covid-19 last summer. Barbara was also the mother of Lynne Heard, editor of Your Call Magazine, and the family have been devastated by her loss.

Having seen the daily impact dementia has on people and their families Jonny asked some of his friends and family if they would be interested to help, and the support he has received has been amazing. He now has 14 climbers attempting the challenge and 2 of his family members have offered to drive between the mountains for the group. The group has been fundraising and at the time of writing they have so far raised £990 via donations and running raffles. Jonny is hoping he can get this amount up to £2,000 by the time the challenge is completed.

Unfortunately, dementia is something that is close to everyone’s hearts and has affected many of us in one way or another. Currently there are around 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia with it affecting between 50-75% of those diagnosed.

Jonny and his friends are looking for donations on their Just Giving page, please help them to reach their target, all proceeds to Alzheimer’s Society. Please donate online at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/three-peaks-2020.

If you would like to get in touch with Jonny regarding fundraising or anything else about the challenge, please email him at mortjonathan@gmail.com.

This challenge will be dedicated to David 'Andy' Anderton who is still battling this dreadful disease, and in loving memory of Barbara Bevins and June Bailey, who sadly lost their battles.