Thursday 5th June 2014 – 1.00pm – Suzie Fothergill.
Eight paramedics from Staffordshire will be swapping their work boots for walking boots as they get set to scale three of the highest mountains in Britain in a bid to raise money for a charity that is close to their hearts.
Back in 2012, one of the team members, Dave Minard, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 31. Despite undergoing treatment and a number of major operations at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, Dave has taken on a variety of challenges including a sky dive and charity football matches and has so far managed to raise a massive £5,225 for the hospital’s Charity.
Stafford father of two, Dave said: “My diagnosis came as a complete shock. I have always led an extremely healthy lifestyle, exercising most days and maintaining a good diet but cancer isn’t picky.
“Throughout my treatment I have seen and experienced firsthand what the Queen Elizabeth hospital achieves on a daily basis and I cannot speak highly enough of the care I have received. The amazing and advanced work that the staff perform at this hospital is incredible and all under the banner of the NHS. With this in mind, I was determined to start raising money for their cancer appeal to help support further advances in cancer treatment.
“This latest challenge will be a tough one for me, as some of my nerve endings have been damaged during my treatment meaning that each time I take a step, I feel as though I am walking on gravel. I wont let that stop me though and I plan on completing the challenge with the team.”
The eight paramedics are currently training hard in preparation to take on the three peaks challenge, climbing Mount Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis within a 24hour period over the 23rd and 24th June.
If you wish to sponsor the team and help them on their way please visit www.justgiving.com/dave-minard.
The team will be made up of Dave Minard, Simon Mayer, Kevin Webster, Andy Wright, Duncan Morrison, Phil Smith, Russ Sambrooke and Ben White.
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Pictured: Dave Minard