70-year-old Robert gets ready to scale new heights for Sue Ryder
"My wife died at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice two years ago," Robert, from Burnsall, shared. "The hospice is loved by everyone locally, and I wanted to give back after the exceptional care and support we received."
Robert added: "During the summer of 2022, Alison was diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer, completely undetected until she collapsed. It came as a complete shock, we had been living life as normal, hiking and wild swimming together right up until her diagnosis.
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Hide Ad“Alison spent the last two weeks of her life at the hospice, almost five years to the day after our son-in-law died of pancreatic cancer. We were all so well looked after, especially my daughter, who was widowed at just 35.

“This experience motivated me to give back to the hospice, and I organised a series of fundraising concerts, raising £5,000 in her honour."
Robert had been a supporter of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice for a number of years before Alison’s terminal diagnosis, including organising long-distance charity bike rides when he was the chairman of the local rugby club. After Alison died, Robert decided to set his fundraising sights higher.
Robert said: "In 2023, my son suggested we do a walk from our home in Burnsall to Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and back overnight. Despite the challenging conditions, including a hot June day filled with tourists, we covered 46 miles in 19 hours. It was hard work, but we managed to raise over £20,000."
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Hide AdNow Robert is getting ready to take on his latest challenge in 2025. Robert explained: "Alison and I loved the outdoors and we trekked all over the world, including the Himalayas, Atlas Mountains, India, Andes, Caucasus and New Zealand.
“I don't want to spend the rest of my life sitting at home and Alison was very clear that she didn’t want that part of my life to stop after she died.
“A friend suggested climbing Mera Peak as a good target for a 70-year-old! Adventure Peaks organises these treks and provides training weekends in the Lakes to prepare us.
"I'm preparing for the trek by incorporating weekly walks of 10-12 miles or 6-7 miles with climbing to maintain my fitness. I'm apprehensive about the journey but I'm looking forward to returning to the Himalayas and taking in the breathtaking scenery. It's an incredible part of the world, and I can't wait to see it again.”
For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/page/merapeak-for-manorlands