Global Trek for Charity
Gareth O’Brien, Assistant Manager at Plymouth’s Voodoo Lounge, has set himself the impressive challenge of climbing 5 of the world’s greatest mountains on 3 different continents this year in recognition of each year since he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Gareth was diagnosed with multiple cancerous tumours whilst studying for his BA (Honours) Environmental Science degree at Plymouth University in 2009. Having fought his way through numerous procedures, including two surgeries, Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy he continued his studies and went on to finish his final year, followed by completion of a post graduate diploma in Business Management.
Gareth has pledged to raise £10,000 for Orchid. Orchid is the only UK charity registered to fund research and awareness into all three male specific cancers: penile, testicular and prostate. As a cancer patient, Gareth wants to “support their work, help raise awareness and inspire other suffers to crack on with their lives.”
The challenge will see Gareth trek to the summit of Machu Picchu in April, the 3 Peaks (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) in May and Kilimanjaro in September. He has raised enough funds to book Machu Picchu, but now requires that final push to reach his goal of Kilimanjaro and the £10,000.
Fundraising for this challenge has taken many different forms and events, but has culminated in the 5 Mountains Music Festival which is due to take place 1-3 March 2013. The event will take place over 3 days, primarily held at the city’s Voodoo Lounge and Roundabout establishments and will see over 30 acts perform across all genres, alongside an arts and craft market and many family-friendly daytime activities.
Gareth said “I’m about to take on the second biggest challenge of my life. I think I have beaten cancer, now it’s time for a new challenge. I hope Plymouth and the South West can get behind me and inspire others to scale new heights. Please consider sponsoring me to help Orchid continue its important work within the local community.”
From everyone here at Fuel we are absolutely delighted to be supporting Gareth, and wish him the very best in his fundraising goal and challenge.
You can help Gareth by visiting his website www.justgiving.com/gareths5-4-5 and clicking on the ‘make a donation’ button.
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