Shepway Veterans, a group of men over 45 are taking on the challenge of a lifetime; to climb the 3 highest peaks in the UK, starting with Ben Nevis in Scotland, then onto Scafell Pike in England and finishing with Snowdon in North Wales raising awareness and funds for Tackle Prostate Cancer.
Back in August 2017 Alistair Hammond from Folkestone – founder of Shepway Veterans – lost his father-in-law, Graham, to prostate cancer. This left a huge hole in his family’s life, but it also made his family so much more aware of the issues that face men and the very real need to do something to help and make a difference.
Alistair decided he wanted to help so, after talking to some close friends, he hatched a plan to form a group of over 45-year-olds who all live in or around the Shepway area and “Shepway Veterans” was created. Made up of a group of seven men from all walks of life, all have a connection with men’s cancers, loved ones lost and battling the disease and one of the team is a survivor.
Alistair said: “After my father-in-law was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and sadly lost his fight in 2017, I formed a group of friends called the ‘Shepway Veterans’ who all have similar stories – one is a survivor -t o do something to support the ongoing search for a cure for all cancers. We recognised Tackle Prostate as the perfect charitable partner to support because it helps dads, families and friends and is one of the smaller national charities that help raise awareness of men’s cancer, so everyone gets the help they need. The team are determined to raise as much money and raise awareness in the fight to save men’s lives.”
Alistair’s wife and sister took part in The National 3 Peaks Challenge – 3 Peaks in 24 hours – back in 2018. This inspired him and his fellow Shepway Veterans to endeavour to complete each climb in a fast time (comparable to the 24 hour times), but they will tackle each mountain on a new day, so 3 Peaks in 3 days.
Alistair commented: “Well, it might not be over 24 hours, but we will climb each peak with speed and the endurance required for a fast ascent/descent and then contend with the aching limbs each day thereafter. It is a challenge nonetheless and each of the Shepway Veterans wants to achieve the climb as a personal journey and to challenge mind and body. Some of us are scared of heights and the thought of climbing not 1, not 2 but 3 of the highest peaks in the UK is quite scary and daunting.”
Roger Wotton chairman of Tackle Prostate Cancer said: “We know how devastating the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be. By raising awareness and funds we will hopefully see more men being tested earlier, and help accelerate a reduction in mortality figures. Prostate cancer doesn’t just affect the man diagnosed – it affects his whole family. Shepway Veterans are a true inspiration to others and deserve all our support.“
The group has received fantastic support from local company LIFElabs.io (LIFElabs) a Fintech blockchain company who will provide a facility for donations to be accepted in digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and LIFEtoken. LIFElabs have agreed to help sponsor aspects of the challenge and will match fund donations received up to £5,000. The Shepway Veterans hope they will raise £5,000 early on through fundraising support.
LIFElabs’ CMO, David Pugh-Jones commented: “We are extremely proud to sponsor Alistair and the Shepway Veteran’s team, supporting them in raising funds for the inspirational Tackle Prostate Cancer charity. As a company that has philanthropy and pioneering technology at its heart, it was a perfect opportunity for us to match fund donations and help build awareness of Prostate Cancer. We wish them the very best of luck in their endeavours later this year.”
Shepway Veterans are looking for additional sponsorship for equipment and help towards the costs of this expedition.
Alistair Hammond added: “We researched carefully and have decided to support Tackle Prostate Cancer. Through your support, our hard work and LIFElabs support, we will be able to track exactly where your donations will be going and what support takes place.”
To sponsor the Shepway Veterans, click here.