Help Beat Cancer by Beating the 3 Peaks.

Hi,

My name is Matt Brown and I'm asking you to think about opening your wallet. Why? It’s not for me, of course… I’m trying to raise money to give back to the two incredible life-saving charities that have tirelessly supported my daughter (Jasmine Brown) throughout her fight against Cancer.

In November 2023, I heard the words no parent ever wants to hear from their child: " Dad, I have Cancer".

The sound that rang out in March 2024 when Jas rang the bell after completing her final course of chemo was the sweetest sound you can imagine. Jas has strong fighting spirit… and she kicked cancer in the butt.

Throughout her journey, Jas always impressed me with her courage and determination. But this wasn’t thanks to the support of friends and family alone, but also thanks to the amazing care, support and generosity of the nurses at Royal Surrey Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Support Team.

This amazing team encouraged and strengthened Jas through her darkest times. From a simple cup of tea and a ginger nut biscuit to the presents and gifts they gave to help her celebrate her 25th birthday whilst she sat in a room undergoing chemo, they were there for her throughout.

After seeing what the amazing team did for Jas and others like her and more to come, it was heart-breaking to hear that so much of what was given was provided by the charity and it would be amazing to top it up so it can continue for others. Put simply, funding is short.

Many people have a view of the NHS that is shaped by an often-negative media. My aim is to raise some money to give back to the front-line staff who help people like Jas through their toughest times. I want to show them that they are respected and to give back so that they can continue to support and make each of their patients understand that help is there.

In addition to the Royal Surrey Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service, I am aiming to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. With the support of their funding, Jas was able to keep her head and not worry about finances for things that you would never plan for at such a young age: for the cost of time off work for Chemo and recovery, for travel to and from hospital and, more importantly, to support her need to travel London for additional specialist treatment and consultations, assisting with her journey and effects of such an intense course of chemotherapy.

The Challenge

I'm a 50-year-old typically unhealthy dad. Exercise hasn’t troubled me much since I stopped chasing my children around the park. I’m Type 2 Diabetic, Asthmatic and medically classed as obese (I'm a foody).

Over the next 3 months I am starting a training regime that will give me the physical capability to tackle the Three Peaks (climbing the three highest points in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon). I've been instructed by Jas not to over promise, so I'm not doing the Three Peaks Challenge (all 3 in 1 day). Instead, I’m tackling 1 a month with the 1st being Ben Nevis at the end of June, Scaffell Pike in July and Snowdon at the end of August. That’s a total of 23 miles and an ascent of more than 10, 000 feet.

Money costs more these days, so a fundraising target is a hard thing to set. You have got this far down the page, so all I ask is this: if the challenge and the charities strike a chord, please consider donating whatever you can.

Currently I am doing this challenge all on my own with only the thoughts in my head to keep me company. Seeing this pot grow will show amazing support, be very humbling, and let me know that it is all worthwhile.

Thank you for taking the time to read this… And if you want to join me on my walks, I could use the company! Please let me know and I’ll happily share the plan and dates etc.

Many thanks

Matt