28
Mar
Group to tackle Yorkshire three peaks in memory of Harrogate man who died 12 weeks after cancer diagnosis
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A group of people are set to take on the Yorkshire three peaks in memory of a Harrogate man who died within weeks of receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Joel Taylor, 46, was last year diagnosed with stage four gastric cancer.
He started chemotherapy and immunotherapy in November, but the condition was too advanced and Joel died on January 19 this year - just three months after his diagnosis.
Now, Joel’s partner Sian, his friends and his family, are tackling the 38.6-kilometre climb in his memory.
The 15-strong group named The Joel Patrol will scale Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough on May 2 in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Sian said:
We want to raise awareness of this awful disease. Joel was fit and healthy up until around September, when he started struggling to eat big portions, had difficulty swallowing and the weight started to come off, which was cause for concern.
He went to the doctors and was referred to the hospital for an endoscopy and MRI scan. The results were devastating - stage four gastric cancer. It had spread to lots of places - the prognosis was not good.
The Joel Patrol in training.
Sian said The Joel Patrol, which is largely made up of Harrogate residents, wants to raise awareness of “this often symptomless type of cancer”, and urged anyone who is experiencing similar symptoms to seek medical help.
She told the Stray Ferret Joel, her partner of 19 years, always wanted to climb the Yorkshire three peaks, but “never got the chance”.
“This challenge is a fitting way for his family and friends to come together and honour Joel, as well as raise such vital funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research”, Sian added.
The Joel Patrol started training last month and members have since done some group walks together. Sian says people also share their progress in a dedicated WhatsApp group chat.
Those taking part hope to complete the challenge in 12 hours, but how is Sian feeling about it?
Nervous and apprehensive, but very excited and confident. It’s a great group, and we will all spur each other on and support one another. We’re hoping for nice weather – not too hot, not too wet.
The group has so far raised more than £6,000 of its £10,000 target.
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