A COURAGEOUS 78-year-old cancer survivor with two artificial knees is tackling the Spanish Three Peaks.
Brian Richardson is tackling the gruelling trek in September to thank surgeons for saving his life.
The retired civil structural engineer from Wilmslow took on the daunting challenge to thank The Christie hospital where he was treated for stage 3 bladder cancer.
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Thankfully, Brian was given the all-clear in September 2022, having undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
Brian said: “I love walking so this seems not only a fitting challenge, but a wonderful opportunity to express my gratitude to The Christie for the full and active life its research and treatment has allowed me to continue enjoying.”
He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2019 after a routine check-up, where he mentioned to his doctor that he was having difficulty passing water.
Brian presumed it was a problem with his prostate, but tests revealed a bladder tumour that had penetrated his bladder wall and showed signs of being in his lungs and some lymph glands.
Brian started treatment at The Christie in February 2020 and during one of his treatment sessions he saw a poster promoting the charity trek.
“On the last day of the trek we have a descent of 6,000 ft which will be challenging and I’m sure it will test my knees,” said Brian.
“But I am doing a lot of training in preparation including going to the gym every other day.
“I’m used to doing this level of walking, so I’m confident I’m prepared.”
The three-day trek in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is almost 50km and includes Spain’s highest peak Mulhacen at 3,482m, Veleta (3,394m) and Alcazaba (3,371m).
To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Brian-Richardson16
Lindsey Farthing, sporting events manager at The Christie Charity, said: “Brian is an inspiration.
“To be tackling a challenge like the Spanish Three Peaks Trek is quite a feat at any age. But to be doing it at 78 is incredible!
“We are delighted that he has chosen to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience to support our charity and we’re sure he will have a fabulous time.”
Brian is married to Helen and they have a son and daughter.
He is a keen walker, cyclist and skier.
In the past, he has been an avid rock climber and mountain biker.
Brian regularly skis off piste and has just returned from a skiing trip earlier this year.
He is a member of East Cheshire Ramblers and is the co-ordinator for projects that look after the clearing of footpaths, building flights of stairs and improving drainage.
The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing services over and above what the NHS funds.
This includes money for care and treatment, research, education and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.
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