Hi, I'm Ben Summers, and not long ago, I was told I had heart failure.

My ejection fraction (how well your heart pumps blood) had dropped to 45%. For someone relatively young and active, that news hit hard. One day I felt fit, the next I was being told my heart wasn’t doing its job properly- and nobody could really explain why.

Fast forward a few months, and thanks to the incredible support of the Milton Keynes Community Cardio-Pulmonary Group (MKCCG), I’ve made a full recovery. My latest scan showed an ejection fraction of 59%, which is back in the normal range. It’s been a long journey, but their support made a huge difference- both physically and mentally.

To say thank you, I’ve decided to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge- climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon all within 24 hours, over the weekend of August 23rd–24th 2025. It’s going to be tough, but I’m doing it for a team that quite literally helped me get my life back.

Who You’re Supporting

The MKCCG is a small but powerful local charity that’s been running since 1989. They help people with heart and lung conditions recover through safe, supervised exercise and support. The sessions are led by British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR)-qualified instructors, and they’re tailored for people at all stages of recovery.

They’re more than just a fitness group- they build confidence, community, and long-term health. Whether it’s gym-style rehab, breathing sessions, or just being in a room with people who genuinely get what you’ve been through, they make a huge difference. They recently received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which says it all.

I was one of the younger people they’d worked with, but they treated me with just as much care, encouragement, and (thankfully) honesty. No fluff, no lectures- just proper support and rehab that worked.

How You Can Help

All donations will go directly to the MKCCG. The funds will help keep sessions running, buy specialist equipment, and support people going through the same uncertainty I did- some of whom have even tougher roads ahead.

Whether you chip in a few quid, share this page, or just cheer me on from the comfort of flat ground- thank you. I’ll do the climbing. You do the supporting.

Let’s raise money for the people who quietly help others rebuild their lives, one heartbeat at a time.