Scott Morton, a former British Army infantryman, has successfully climbed the highest peaks in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to raise funds for Moya Cole Hospice. His mother, Kathleen, and stepfather were both diagnosed with cancer within three months of each other, after 42 years together. Scott’s stepfather passed away first, followed by his mother eight months later.
Speaking about his motivation, Scott said: “I did this in honour of my mum and stepdad, but ultimately it was about giving something back to the hospice too. I want to also thank the staff at the hospice as well.”
The challenge proved therapeutic for Scott, who had been struggling with his mental health. Drawing on skills developed during his service in the British Army, where he served as an infantryman and completed a tour of Northern Ireland, he embarked on the demanding winter expedition.
Scott added: “I started doing long-distance walks three years ago as a way of dealing with mental health, meeting new people and also a way of giving something back to charities.”
He has previously raised funds for the Royal British Legion and Cancer Research, and has walked the West Highland Way and the Coast to Coast path. The Four Peaks challenge involved climbing Slieve Donard (850 meters) in Northern Ireland, Ben Nevis (1,345 meters) in Scotland, Scafell Pike (978 meters) in England, and Snowdon (1,085 meters) in Wales.
“I learned to be able to navigate and cover tough terrain. I decided to do this Four Peaks challenge in winter as well, as I wanted to add an extra layer of difficulty,” Scott said. “The challenge was a way of meeting people as well and turning something awful into something decent. It was also a way of giving something back to a great cause.”
He added: “When I found out what a sum of money could do for one person who is terminally ill, I just felt that I had to give something back to somebody else.”
Scott recalled the kindness he received during the challenge: “My mum was an incredibly kind person, and I wanted to use this challenge as a way of meeting people. I was shown an awful lot of kindness throughout this challenge. From BnB’s offering me complimentary stays or discounted rates, and people providing me with equipment.”
Although the challenge is complete, fundraising continues. Donations can be made via Scott’s JustGiving page. Moya Cole Hospice provides holistic care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, including inpatient care, day therapy, and supportive outpatient services at its sites in Heald Green, Stockport, and Little Hulton, Salford. The hospice also offers community and outreach services, including a Hospice at Home service in Salford and Trafford, a Community Specialist Palliative Care Team in Salford, and a homelessness palliative care service in Manchester. A 24-hour telephone advice line is available to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals in Salford, Manchester, Trafford, and Stockport.
