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10
Mar
Harrogate trio to trek in UK and Nepal in memory of late Harrogate headteacher
Three people are taking on a series of treks in memory of a late Harrogate headteacher.
Jack Broad, 19, and Jessica Broad, 21 - the children of Tim Broad, former headteacher at Western Primary, who died aged just 62 from pancreatic cancer last November – will climb the UK three peaks in his memory.
Mr Broad dedicated 25 years to Harrogate's largest primary school and helped to secure its most recent ‘outstanding’ assessment by Ofsted.
He stepped down last August and was diagnosed the following October. The cancer had spread to his liver and became too aggressive for treatment.
Now, his children plan to scale Ben Nevis, Scarfell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours, all in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK, in June.
It comes as part of their efforts to raise £100,000 for the charity, having already generated more than £18,000.
Jessica said the condition remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with low survival rates attributed to late diagnoses.
She added their father died just 37 days after being diagnosed and “declined rapidly” before his death. Jessica said:
By taking on our trekking challenges, we hope to not only raise vital funds but to increase awareness about the urgent need for better research and early detection. We envision a future where no one else must lose their father to pancreatic cancer, therefore we are completing this fundraising challenge to safeguard the future of patients and their families and to honour our dad.
Rafe Colfman-Chadwick, 19, a school friend of Jack and Jessica, will also be taking on a mammoth challenge in Mr Broad's memory.
He aims to trek to Mount Everest's base camp in 15 days, also raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK, beginning on Saturday (March 15).
Rafe, who lost his own father to brain cancer when he was just 13, said Tim “shaped the lives of thousands of children”, including himself.
He added:
Mr Broad was more than a teacher - he was an inspiration to so many. His kindness, leadership and passion positively shaped the lives of thousands of children, including mine. I lost my own dad to brain cancer when I was 13.
Mr Broad helped me tremendously; he was a great mentor to me and cheerleader at school and in sport. Trekking to Everest base camp is my way of honouring his legacy and supporting Jessica, Jack and their family in raising awareness for a cause that needs urgent support.
Tim, whose death has had a significant impact locally, took on a similar trek in the Himalayas in his twenties.
You can donate to the fundraiser by clicking here.
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