Georgia and Chessie Guy spent six months in training ready to conquer Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Mount Snowdon in Wales.
Georgia said that spending time outdoors helped them both with the grieving process as they prepare for their first Christmas without grandad Ken. Ken was diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Eve 2020.
It was two weeks before Christmas when the Guy family, from Alvaston, received the news that Ken had been taken to hospital with what appeared to be an upset stomach.
Still an active member of his local gym, Ken was a fit man who regularly went out for long walks with his wife, Wendy, at the weekend.
During the Coronavirus pandemic, restrictions made it hard for the family to be close to Ken and Wendy but they did everything they could to provide the emotional support needed to get him on the road to recovery.
Then, on Christmas Eve, the family were given the news that Ken had terminal cancer and was unlikely to see in the New Year.
Live his final days in peace, comfort and love
We provided the Guy family with nursing care through our Hospice at Home service. Georgia says that she is grateful that her grandad was given the chance to ‘live his final days in peace, comfort and surrounded by love.’
“Being told to prepare for grandad’s death was awful and I personally felt bitter. I felt as though I had been robbed of the last year of his life, due to Covid.
“We were extremely grateful for the support provided by Treetops. Their skill and compassion is something that we will forever be grateful for. They helped grandad when he needed it the most and helped granny, my auntie and dad to manage and understand the situation. We were – and still are – so lucky.”
Ken died in January 2021 aged 84.
“Treetops supported us all during the most awful time. They provide a vital service to ensure that other families and patients receive the care and support they deserve, like my grandad. It was important to us to give back.”
Georgia and Chessie raised over £1,500 for us on their gruelling challenge.
In his memory
“We chose the Three Peaks because we knew it would be a real challenge.
“Ben Nevis was the hardest climb, but the most rewarding – we still can’t believe we managed it. Scafell Pike was less physically strenuous, but the navigation and terrain was tricky. Snowdon was the most straightforward – however, the fact that it was our third mountain made it really tough. Poor Chessie’s feet were in bits, but she pushed through.
“Grandad loved walking and fresh air, so it seemed fitting for us to do this in his memory.”