Turning Grief into Purpose, 450 Mile Trek

NHS worker embarks on solo unsupported National Three Peaks Challenge and every mile between each peak (730 kilometres/450 miles) in memory of his late wife, Laura James, a Biology teacher at Roundhay School, Leeds.

Contact: Jonathan James

+44 (0)7703 804 363

[email redactado]

www.marchfornations.org

NHS employee Jonathan James will undertake a solo, unsupported National Three Peaks challenge in honour of his late wife, Laura James who passed away in December 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. The 17-day endurance trek aims to raise funds for St Gemma’s Hospice, which provided Laura’s end-of-life care, and Combat Stress, who provide vital services in support of servicemen and women.

This 730km (450-mile) expedition includes summiting, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), with over 17,000 metres of total ascent, the equivalent of climbing Everest, twice. It begins on 16 August 2025, following a memorial service at the Commando Memorial on the 15th of August 25 (VJ Day), and concludes at the National Memorial Arboretum on the 2nd of September 2025, which will also mark the officially recognised, 80th anniversary of the end of WWII.

“I am doing this walk in memory of Laura, and the charities that have helped us throughout what has been a very difficult journey,” said Jonathan James. “She gave everything, especially to our children, Thomas and Isabelle, and to the students she taught at Roundhay School. This is about love, grief, remembrance, gratitude and turning pain into purpose, one step at a time.”

The challenge will be completely self-supported, meaning Jonathan will carry all his equipment, purchasing supplies en-route, and travel alone (less for people who are having a Forest Gump moment!). The route will take him through Scotland, the Lake District and North Wales, walking along paths including the Cumbria and West Highland Ways.

Co-founder Wesley Hazley will lead a Laura James Memorial Charity Fundraiser on the 3rd of October 2025 at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, if you are interested in joining us at this event please contact him directly on [email redactado] [email redactado]

This powerful journey aims to raise funds for hospice services and veterans’ mental health whilst also honouring a life defined by compassion, strength, and love.

For media inquiries, interviews, or sponsorship:

[email redactado]

Instagram: @march_for_nations

St. Gemma’s Hospice

Human Service

RCN: 1015941

Combat Stress

Military and Veterans

RCN: 206002