Amazing Andy!

Many of you will recall how, back in August, our friend Andy commenced an incredible personal physical challenge under the most difficult of circumstances, and in doing so chose to raise money for a local Cancer charity, teensunite.

Andy was diagnosed with a brain tumour in April, and in May had surgery. Understandably, his first emotion was despair. For many obvious reasons. But one of those, was facing the reality that he would probably never climb another mountain. As a mountain leader, it must have felt like a pianist would feel if their hands were cut off. Then in the weeks and months that followed, while talking to, and being talked to, by family, friends and business colleagues, the idea of a virtual three peaks challenge was born.

The idea, to climb the stairs in his home, equivalent to the height of first Snowden (668), then Skafell Pike(602) and finally Ben Nevis (828 flights)

Jon started him off with a rope system rigged up on his stairs, and this was adjusted by another friend to make it easier for Andy to use. And the climb began.

He has had encouragement from famous mountaineers Chris Bonington, Carlos Soria and Kenton Cool, and no end of other famous faces sending their messages of support. He had guest climbers, lots of different friends or family on the belay, and many ups and downs along the way.

On Sunday, with his family watching, Andy completed the challenge and hit the peak of Ben Nevis. There were party poppers, cheers, whoops and I suspect lots of tears. We, and other friends not so close by, have been kept up to date daily with WhatsApp, and Instagram updates. It has been so great to be part of it.

Of course,that is not his only achievement this year, with the NC500 trip and solo paddling on the Broads, he has properly earned the charity donations. So today, he was able to meet with the teensunite team, to formally present a giant cheque for this amazing sum. The final several thousand pounds was generated by a quiz and raffle in their local pub, as a finale to their amazing Sunday.

So proud of Andy who has been an inspiration to us all. And guess what...he isn't stopping there. Today, his new challenge, to cycle from John O'Groats to Lands End, on his stationery bicycle, began in earnest. You can still donate.....

https://www.justgiving.com/page/andysvirtualthreepeaks

Keep going Andy. We know you can do it..