Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
They’ve really hit their peaks
Trio climb three peaks over 24 hours to raise cash for cancer-stricken Sofia
Three Monklands men were part of a group who astonishingly climbed Britain’s three tallest peaks in the space of 24 hours to raise money for a cancer-stricken young girl.
Airdrie’s Mark Wallace, 40, and Coatbridge brothers Craig and Graeme Walker are part of a “band of brothers” that have raised a five-figure sum for their pal Mario Jaconelli’s daughter Sofia who has the rare form of cancer neuroblastoma.
The brave six-year-old, who lives in Bellshill with Mario and mum Gemma, has undergone two surgeries, stem cell transplants, constant chemotherapy and several trial treatments.
On Saturday, Mark, Craig and Graeme completed the gruelling challenge of ascending and descending Britain’s highest mountains – all within one day, including travel time.
An incredible £15,000 has been raised for the family so far and funds will be used to ensure Sofia’s family can afford medical expenses and allow their precious daughter to enjoy life to the fullest.
Mark told the Advertiser: “It was an unbelievably hard challenge; I don’t think any of us really appreciated what we were about to endure.
“It’s the hardest thing any of us have ever put ourselves through, mentally and physically. Thankfully the weather was on our side for most of it.
“We had clear skies at the start of our Ben Nevis ascent but as we entered the last few hundred metres we could feel the temperature change and there was snow on the ground.
“Due to timings, our Scafell Pike climb was done totally in the dark with radios, head torches, the lot; that is probably the most gruelling thing I’ve done.
“When we reached Snowdonia it was the last physical push for everyone and that was really tough.
“My body felt like a lump of lead afterwards and there was plenty of ice and hot baths on Monday.
“Mario did a speech at the end of our challenge and I arranged for everyone to get a medal recognising their achievement.
“Hearing the trials and tribulations his daughter and family are going through is unbelievable to listen to.
“If you peel back the sadness, though, here is a bunch of guys who tried to turn that into a positive by putting themselves through hell on earth to help.
“I’m proud to have been part of that and any small contribution to Sophia’s life is invaluable.”
A statement on the group’s Go Fund Me says: “Anyone who knows Sofia or has seen a photo of her will no doubt have felt their heart melt at her smile no matter what she is going through.
“The future is still unknown for Sofia and her family and there are still hard times ahead.
“The amazing doctors and nurses in Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children are working tirelessly to endure Sofia gets the best treatment available to her.”
Having already smashed their £12,000 target, Mark and his pals and will keep the Go Fund Me page online for a few more weeks; to donate, visit uk. gofundme. com/77zbw-summits-for-sofia