Climbing Ben Nevis: A Tribute to Carly Moore’s Legacy

“What is grief, if not love persevering?”

Life is fleeting. We often become consumed by the pressures of daily life, unaware of just how limited our time can be. When we say goodbye to those we love, we do not know if it will be the last time we see their smile or feel the warmth of their presence. On 31st October 2024, I lost my dearest friend, Carly Moore, to a rare and aggressive cancer known as cholangiocarcinoma (a cancer of the bile ducts); she was just 29.

Carly meant everything to me. I grew up in a South Asian family that struggled to accept my Western outlook on life, leaving me feeling isolated and alone for much of my childhood and adolescence. Expressing who I truly was felt impossible. But meeting Carly changed all of that. She was the first person who took the time to listen—really listen—to how I felt. She wanted to share experiences with me, create memories with me and grow with me.

Through Carly, I experienced parts of the world I never imagined I would. She opened doors to a life I didn’t know existed. For the first time, I knew what it was to feel unconditional love. It is because of Carly that I am who I am today. Without her, I don’t think I’d still be here. I will always be grateful to her for everything she gave me.

We shared over a decade of our lives, lifting each other up every step of the way. Carly was the first person who made me feel truly seen and that bond is irreplaceable. Now, navigating life without her feels unbearable. Each day is its own kind of hell. I know Carly would want me to keep fighting, and I will. I will honour her memory by carrying her spirit with me every step of the way.

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer, accounting for just 2% of all cancers globally. It develops from malignant growths in the epithelial lining of the bile ducts, small tubes that carry bile within the liver. In England, around 2,200 people are diagnosed with bile duct cancer every year.

Risk factors include parasitic infections, primary sclerosing cholangitis (inflamed or scarred bile ducts), hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking. The survival rate is low: only 18–23% of patients with cancer confined to the bile ducts survive five years post-diagnosis. If the cancer has spread beyond the bile ducts, that figure drops to just 2–3%.

Tragically, after Carly’s diagnosis, she had only two months left with us. Her loss is something I find impossible to comprehend, and I’m not sure I will ever fully come to terms with it.

In Carly’s memory, I want to raise funds for AMMF—The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity. This charity is dedicated to supporting research and developing innovative treatments for this devastating condition. My hope is that we can one day find a cure so that others like Carly have a better chance to remain with the people who love them.

Founded in 2002, AMMF was the world’s first charity dedicated solely to cholangiocarcinoma. Today, AMMF remains the UK’s only cholangiocarcinoma charity, now working nationally and across Europe, as well as actively collaborating globally.

AMMF provides information and support to those who need it, campaigns to raise awareness of this devastating condition, and encourages/supports specialised research teams in their work towards better diagnostic techniques/treatments and, ultimately a cure.

On 19th April 2025, I will be climbing Ben Nevis—the highest mountain in Britain, standing at 1,345m (4,413 ft)—in Carly’s memory. If the weather isn’t kind, I may have to postpone by a week or two, but the climb will happen. Carly would have thought I was mad for attempting this. In fact, she’d probably laugh—her humour was one of her greatest gifts.

Please support me and AMMF’s vital work by donating to this campaign. Together, we can help beat cancer and honour Carly’s memory in the best way possible. Thank you.