Best friend treks Himalayas for North Wales Cancer Centre
Being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020 and still fighting the fight, Shaun Loughran has been receiving his chemotherapy treatment at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre for over two years.
His good friend, Gary Eccleston, has chosen to raise money for the North Wales Cancer Appeal (NWCA) by trekking the Himalayas, his aim was to completed three base camps, three peaks and three high passes in 21 days.
With the challenge now complete, Gary has managed to raise an incredible £1,510 so far for the NWCA which will help benefit the “amazing” treatment centre.
Shaun said: “I’ve chosen this charity because first and foremost I want our fundraising alone to make a difference, so I decided to choose a small charity, a local charity and a charity that means something to myself.
“My good, crazy friend is really going to be pushing his body to the limit with these extreme challenges he’s set up and 100% funded himself.
“I feel honoured to have been asked to choose a charity for him and to be involved in helping out with the fundraising for such a great cause.”
Gary’s challenge began on Sunday 5 March, and ended on Saturday 25 March after 21 days of trekking at high altitude, with some areas having less than 50% oxygen.
On completing the challenge, Gary said: “This has been the most terrifying, challenging, enjoyable, painful, emotional, physical, insightful experience I will ever see in life.
“I have been through every emotion and extra ones that don’t even exist. How my body managed to push myself on each day when I couldn’t have been any lower in strength and drive is beyond me.
“I have to thank each and every one of the people donating and for your messages of support.”
Shaun has previously raised money for the Bobby Moore Fund by doing kick-ups every day for a month in difference locations around the country.
To continue support Shaun and Gary on this journey, you can still donate online here.
