Mountain climbing for cancer cash

The father-of-two with bone cancer will be travelling to Nepal to climb three large peaks in the Himalaya Mountain Range, each over 6,100 metres high.

Pete hopes to raise at least £3,000, which will be split equally between both charities.

Having already climbed Kilimanjaro, trekked to Everest Base Camp and ran from London to Brighton to raise money for Macmillan, Pete is used to a challenge.

But this one will keep him away from home for 30 days, while he endures the altitude and freezing conditions of the mountains.

The Hampshire County Council worker found out he had cancer in November 2009, when what he thought was a shoulder injury from playing cricket, turned out to be bone cancer.

Pete said: ‘This is undoubtedly the biggest physical and mental challenge I have embarked upon since having cancer.

‘It’s going to be a real test.

‘But however hard I find it, I know there are people out there being told that they have cancer – and they face a far bigger struggle.

‘Providing support for them can help make their journey just that little bit easier.’

After his diagnosis, Pete was offered practical and emotional support from his Macmillan nurse, Helen, as well as while undergoing his treatment.

As part of this, some of Pete’s bone was replaced with metal, which has restricted the movement in his arm.

Although he lives with the limitations cancer has left him with, Pete is determined to raise money so that others who are affected can continue to receive the support offered by Macmillan and The Harbour Cancer Support Centre.

Kim Appleby, Macmillan fundraising manager for south-east Hampshire said: ‘I’d like to thank Pete for his fantastic fundraising efforts, to date he’s raised an incredible £22,585 for Macmillan.

‘He’s so inspirational and is making an incredible difference to the lives of those who have cancer.

‘We want to make sure no one faces cancer alone, but we can’t do it without the amazing people who fundraise for us.

‘We are so grateful for all their support.’

To sponsor Pete, visit his Just Giving page: justgiving.com/teams/petebarty.