Message of light Three peaks hike in tribute to mum
It’s a daunting task for four inexperienced hikers, but it’s nothing compared to the 11 years that my mum fought inspirationally against a disease which just wouldn’t let our family be
ABRISTOL student is set to embark on a 24-hour mountain hike in Scotland, England and Wales in memory of his “beautiful mummy”.
Ben Bellman, 19, who lives on Alexandra Park in Redland, decided to trek the highest peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon after his mum lost her decade-long battle with cancer in 2019.
“After nearly two years without my beautiful mummy, it still doesn’t feel real,” he said.
“There’s a part of me that still hopes she’ll walk through the door and take all our pain away.”
He said his family have been left grief stricken after losing Michelle Bellman, who died aged 51.
“There’s a hole inside my heart that will never be filled, a cloud over my head that will never go away, and three children who will never get to see their mummy again.”
This formidable charity challenge will see Ben along with his friends Henry Mattey, Jacob Steinberg and Tom Miller, walking 23 miles and scaling around 3,000 metres of mountain tomorrow.
“It’s a daunting task for four inexperienced hikers, but it’s nothing compared to the 11 years that my mum fought inspirationally against a disease which just wouldn’t let our family be,” said Ben.
The team have already raised £14,600 for Grief Encounter, a charity which supports bereaved children and young people.
“Despite all the pain mum was in, she always managed to light up a room with her smile, strength and energy – showing everyone that despite all the darkness in this world there is light,” Ben said.
“It is this message that we want to spread to all those struggling, whether that be with grief or with their own mental battle, keep hope within your heart as there is so much light in this world no matter how dark it gets.”
The boys have spent the last few months mentally and physically preparing for the challenge by indoor cycling and running.
“The best training we’ve done was the Brecon Beacons horseshoe circuit in Wales; we went up for the day and completed the four peaks there in around four to five hours,” he added.
“To be doing this with my best mates means everything to me,” Ben said. “We’ve known each other since we were nine and we are going to make sure we all make it through.”
Sarah Purdy, the university’s pro vice-chancellor for student experience, said: “Ben and his friends are taking on a truly daunting challenge for an amazing cause in memory of his beautiful mum.
“We wish them the best of luck as they take on the National Three Peaks challenge.”
The trek begins at Ben Nevis in Scotland on Saturday, October 16 at 7am. The boys will then go on to Scafell Pike before finishing at Snowdon in Wales during the night.
You can follow them on Instagram at @2years3peaks4blokes and donate to their fundraising effort at justgiving. com – search “Ben Bellman”.