Two brothers from Horwich, Bolton, have conquered the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, to raise £2,675 for charity Parkinson's UK.
Robert Melia (22) and Matthew Melia (29) who work in banking and finance, tackled the popular 24 mile trek last Saturday (3 October), in memory of their late grandad Harold Challender, who had Parkinson's and passed away in February at the age of 81. The pair were also joined by their uncle Darren Challender (son of Harold) and his son Jake Challender.
The walk, which is popular amongst avid hikers and challenge seekers, saw the family climbing the summit of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in 12 hours.
Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK, including 15,256 in North West England. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Robert said:
"We are absolutely thrilled to have completed this challenge to honour the memory of our grandad and Darren's dad Harold who was living with Parkinson's for the last six to seven years of his life. It was really tough with the rain and cold weather but we're all really proud of our achievement and the money that we've raised! I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us in raising vital money for Parkinson's UK. The charity is doing an incredible job of supporting people with Parkinson's and their families and working fast to find better treatments and a cure for the condition."
Parkinson's UK is the largest charitable funder of Parkinson's research in Europe, leading the way in driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition.
Katherine Bartrop, Head of Regional Fundraising at Parkinson's UK, said:
"We'd like to congratulate Robert, Matthew, Jake and Darren, for completing the incredible challenge of conquering the Three Peaks Challenge, to raise money for Parkinson's UK.
"Nobody should have to face Parkinson's alone - or without hope that one day we'll find better treatments and a cure.
"That's why we're so grateful for the continued support from our amazing fundraisers, whose fundraising efforts during this difficult time, help us keep our vital support services and research programmes going. Without their support, nothing we do would be possible."
To find out how to fundraise for Parkinson's UK visit parkinsons.org.uk/fundraising