Charities
Whilst the sense of achievement and pushing boundaries is a huge motivation to take on these challenges, the major push is to help support some amazing charities and people that work and volunteer within them.
Over the years I have supported many different charities, but for the M4C Challenge 26/27 I am supporting five amazing charities.
Clatterbridge Cancer Charity
About
In 2022 Mum discovered a lump in her lower leg. After trips to the doctors and Rosemere it was discovered she had a sarcoma. Radiotherapy 5 days a week for 4 weeks and an operation followed, taken in her usual bullish way.
As it was a sarcoma she was referred to Clatterbridge under the care of Dr Olsson-Brown. Chemo followed, but sadly was not effective as the cancer became terminal and the chemo ineffective.
Sadly Mum lost her heroic battle in December 2023 but the care, honesty and dedication from all at Clatterbridge meant so much to her. Even her chat with a volunteer who had lost his wife a few years ago, whilst I had to move the car, stuck in her memory and meant a lot to her.
She wanted to donate to Clatterbridge through her will but I also wanted to give back to this wonderful place, which despite the obvious sadness holds fond memories for me and Mum.
Cardiac Risk In The Young
About
I think most of you know the story by now. Matt and I went to London for our friends wedding and when I woke the morning of the wedding I found Matt had died in his sleep.
Whilst time is a great healer the memory can still have me in bits, as it will with his parents and sister.
In May 2028 it will be 20 years since Matt passed, so Becky, Matts sister and I decided it would be a fitting tribute to hold a heart screening event in Matt’s memory. So we aim to raise at least £7200 to enable CRY to carry out a local heart screening and hopefully help prevent other young people and their families and friends going through this tragedy.
Matts sister and nephew and niece were all screened by CRY after Matt passed to detect any heart defects.
To help raise the funds for a screening session In Matt's memory donate below
Andy's Man Club
About
I can't remember when it was, life was just a blur with each day rolling into another. Just getting out of bed and getting a coffee was as good an achievement as I could manage. My house was such a mess, but when you are running on fumes its amazing what the brain can ignore.
I had some amazing friends who I could message at 2am crying out for help and they would message first thing the next morning and be round that weekend, or for those in Boston USA, who couldn't use the excuse of being asleep just replying and being there time and time again.
But when those friends are few and far between and guilt of keep putting on them kicks in, life could be so so lonely. Suddenly I had no parents, no children or partner and two of my best friends who I could always call on had passed on.
Calling the doctors for help to be told we can see you a week Wednesday was so demoralising and pushed me closer to the edge.
I'd seen Andy's Man Club advertised but not thought too much about it, other than it was a great resource for those who need it.
One day I felt so low I had to do something so pushed myself to go to AMC in Blackburn. It was such a welcoming group but hard listening to people really struggling with life. I only went a couple of times, but that couple of times made such a difference and knowing I could return without an appointment when I felt the need was a massive support.
AMC is such a valuable asset to many towns and cities across the country supporting men in need. That's why I wanted to give something back to them.
About
I am doing this for Tommy's after my ex wife Emma and I suffered 4 miscarriages in 3 years, the first in June 2019 with our angel Wallace born sleeping at 14 weeks. Tommy's was a great source of support and information during this difficult time. The fear of something which should be a joyous occasion is heart-breaking, hearing those words 'We're pregnant' which once filled you with joy, suddenly fills you with dread and fear, every scan drains you and makes you feel ill as you hope and pray that the silence from the nurse doesn't come as they struggle to find a heartbeat, followed by the words no one ever wishes to hear, there is no heartbeat.
About
​Maundy Relief provides an immediate response to poverty and need in the local community. It offers a daily drop-in centre, advice and a free couselling service. It respects the value and dignity of all people.