Team of 30 take on National Three Peaks Challenge for Norwich-based charity Big C

Scott Walker, from Norwich, was among those who took part in the National Three Peaks Challenge to benefit cancer charity Big C. Picture: Courtesy Big C (Image: Archant)

And now a 30-strong team who took part in the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Norwich-based cancer charity Big C are celebrating after finishing the venture.

The team travelled from Norwich to take in more than 1,200 miles over the June 24/25 weekend to climb Snowdon in Wales (3,560ft), Scafell Pike in England (3,209ft) and the tallest of them all - Ben Nevis in Scotland (4,409ft).

The volunteers raised a combined total of more than £17,000 through their individual JustGiving pages.

Big C events and fundraising officer Caroline Allen organised the event with a team of volunteer leaders and drivers.

Ms Allen said she was thrilled with the efforts of everyone who took part in the challenge.

She said the team faced snow, hail, rain and strong winds climbing the three mountains.

Ms Allen said: 'I couldn't be prouder of the team that took part in the National Three Peaks Challenge last weekend.

'The pure grit, strength and determination I saw in them was just inspirational.

'No amount of bad weather was going to stop them from conquering the three peaks.'

Ms Allen said the team members all managed to beat their personal and team goals, while having fun at the same time.

She said the challenge was one of many charitable endeavours which make running Big C possible, and it was something the participants would remember for the rest of their lives.

She said: 'New friendships were formed and memories made for life. Our thanks and admiration goes to everyone who fundraises and supports Big C every day, and today, especially to the 30 members of Team Big C who pushed themselves to the limits to do something incredible for people affected by cancer.'

Big C helps patients, families and carers affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney. For more information about Big C, visit www.big-c.co.ukHave you done something challenging for charity? Email stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk

Scott Walker's story

Following his wife Jayne's short, yet brave fight with melanoma cancer when she was only in her late 20s, Mr Walker has been a loyal supporter of the Big C in a plethora of ways.

When she died, she also left behind their two young children Maddic, five, and Esha, one.

Mr Walker and his two children occasionally visited the Big C Centre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to spend time with support staff after Jayne's death.

However, it was almost four years later that Mr Walker felt he was ready for talking therapy with staff at the Big C

He said: 'Talking to one of Big C's counsellors was a big help to me a few years after Jayne's death.

'I guess we were just trying to manage day-to-day but it took that long to realise perhaps it was time to process everything.'

Seven years on, Mr Scott and his two children have remained close to the Big C.

Mr Scott started a Lavender Fund with the Big C in his wife's name and had raised £11,000 prior to taking part in Big C's Three Peaks Challenge.

Jack Lenton's story

Mr Lenton had a close family member diagnosed with breast cancer in the past. Following his very respectable 7th place in a recent 15km Inspire Races steeplechase derby, as part of his company team, Quotatis from Horsham St Faith, Mr Lenton took on the Three Peaks Challenge for Big C.

He said: 'Big C is very important to me and helped my family talk about the elephant in the room that so many people would avoid because they didn't know how to approach the conversation. 'Having that conversation about treatment and people listening and understanding the whole process she was going through helped her feel like she wasn't against the world on her own.

'The Big C lifted a huge weight off her shoulders and helped ease the switch from being in hospital to normal social environments by attending tea and cake events and just having normal conversations with people. That helped her get back to normal every day and working life.'