Police officers will be taking on three of the UK’s highest mountains – and the inspiration behind their challenge is one of their colleague’s son.
Eight members of the A shift at Ely station, which includes PC Mark Wootton, have signed up for the Three Peaks Challenge in April.
Mark’s eldest son, Henry, was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare degenerative genetic disorder, when he was nine.
Ataxia is an umbrella term for a group of neurological disorders that affect balance, coordination and speech.
Friedreich’s Ataxia leads to reduced levels of frataxin, a protein vital for life and cell survival. It is a life threatening illness with no cure.
When Henry was diagnosed, he was given a life expectancy of early adulthood. He is now 24 years old.
The challenge will see the officers – and PC Wootton’s wife, Felicity – climb the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales (Ben Nevis at 1344m, Scafell Pike at 978m and Snowdon at 1085m) within a 24-hour period.
All funds they raise will go towards the charity, Ataxia UK.
Mark said: “We are all really excited about doing the challenge as a team.
“The whole shift is aware of my son’s ongoing battle with a really debilitating ataxia so the money we raise will go towards a cause that is close to all of our hearts.
“It will be a huge challenge for us all and we would be really grateful for any sponsorship.”
The largest cost was set to be the hire of a minibus which the team will require to get between the three peaks.
However, Mil-Ken Travel, based in Littleport, then kindly stepped in and offered to supply the minibus for the team.
To make a donation, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fun….
Friedreich’s Ataxia leads to reduced levels of frataxin, a protein vital for life and cell survival. It is a life threatening illness with no cure.
When Henry was diagnosed, he was given a life expectancy of early adulthood. He is now 24 years old.
The challenge will see the officers – and PC Wootton’s wife, Felicity – climb the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales (Ben Nevis at 1344m, Scafell Pike at 978m and Snowdon at 1085m) within a 24-hour period.
All funds they raise will go towards the charity, Ataxia UK.
Mark said: “We are all really excited about doing the challenge as a team.
“The whole shift is aware of my son’s ongoing battle with a really debilitating ataxia so the money we raise will go towards a cause that is close to all of our hearts.
“It will be a huge challenge for us all and we would be really grateful for any sponsorship.”
The largest cost was set to be the hire of a minibus which the team will require to get between the three peaks.
However, Mil-Ken Travel, based in Littleport, then kindly stepped in and offered to supply the minibus for the team.
To make a donation, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fun….
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