GOING WILD FOR MUM
Friendly rivallry at big outdoor challenge in memory of sharon
IN AN EXTREME case of family rivalry, a brother and sister-inlaw will go head to head in the wilds of Ireland to raise money for life saving cancer research.
Stuart Austin and Amy Jennens, both from Anglesey, will travel across the Irish Sea to Killarney on June 23 to take part in Heart North Wales’ ‘ Challenge the Wild’ weekend.
The Aberffraw duo are competing in memory of Amy’s mother, Sharon, who lost her battle with cancer last year, aged just 54.
The challenge will include abseiling, cliff jumping, trekking in the dark, surviving on food sourced from the land and sleeping under basic tarpaulin shelters.
Amy, 32, said: “I’m doing this to hopefully prevent another family going through what mine has.
“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.
“Initially we thought it had worked, but after a pain in her stomach we realised the cancer had spread to her liver.
“The ordeal lasted seven long years. We’re fundraising so North West Cancer Research can save more lives sooner.”
She added: “I’m active and enjoy a new challenge, but the water tasks will really test me.
“I’ve previously taken part in the Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge which took 19 hours to complete.”
Brother-in-law Stuart will be part of the opposing team, meaning the pair will go head to head to as the teams battle it out to be named the challenge winners.
Stuart, a father of one who works as a mechanic, said: “This challenge is everything I hate – heights, bugs, camping and open water. No one believes I can do it!
“My own wife is still on the fence about who she’ll support between me and her sister.
“But doing this, I’m completely out of my comfort zone.
“I’m looking forward to pushing myself and raising money for such a worthwhile cause and obviously beating Amy!”
He went on to say: “I’ve seen first-hand the devastating effects cancer has on families. All money raised will support North West Cancer Research, which funds life-saving cancer research.”
To support Amy, you can donate to Team Oli via Just Giving you can donate £3 by texting NWCW47 £3 to 70070.
To support Stuart, you can donate to Team Rachael via Just Giving or you can donate £3 by texting NWCW48 £3 to 70070.