HIGHSCHOOL FRIENDS TACKLE THREE PEAKS

Emma and Natalie, both from Morecambe, set their sights on scaling the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales, in memory of a close friend and to honour family members currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

The duo took to Ben Navis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon with determination, conquering almost 10,000 feet of elevation and navigating rugged terrain and unpredictable weather to raise vital funds for cancer research projects across the North West and North Wales.

Despite the tough physical demands, the two friends completed the challenge with 15 minutes to spare at 23 hours, 44 minutes, making their achievement all the more remarkable. The friends updated their supporters along the way with pictures from their journey and raised an amazing £1,300 toward life-saving research.

The duo were inspired to take on the challenge by their late friend Laura, who passed away from secondary breast cancer in 2020. While living with cancer, Laura made it her mission to do as much fundraising as possible for local cancer charities, even organising an event in which 60 of her family and friends took on the Ullswater Way in 2019. Laura’s determination inspired Emma and Natalie to continue fundraising in her memory.

The pair said: “After completing the Yorkshire Peaks in 2022, we were ready for our next challenge to be a step up and give people a reason to sponsor us.

“The National Three Peaks challenge was brutal and we’re so proud we completed it in the time we did, as it didn’t seem possible at various points. We’re so grateful to all who sponsored us, shared our story and sent messages. It meant a lot and really made it all worthwhile. 

“We have both had family members diagnosed or receiving treatment for cancer this year, and we wanted to pick a local charity that we know will impact research in the area we live in. We wanted to try and continue fundraising in memory of Laura too – she raised so much for cancer research and remains our inspiration.”