Charity trustee to Challenge the Wild for North West Cancer Research

Charity trustee to Challenge the Wild for North West Cancer Research 

Charity trustee and Director of PHP Active Community Interest Company, Mark Haig will test his survival instincts by spending two days and one night deep in the Irish wilderness, challenging the wild to raise money for North West Cancer Research.

Mark, 57 from Mawdesley, will take part in Heart North Wales Challenge the Wild weekend to support the charity which funds life-saving cancer research across the North West.

Having been diagnosed with cancer himself in 2012 and undergoing successful treatment in 2013, Mark understands the vital role that research must play in the fight against cancer.

On Friday June 23^rd, Mark will join nine join nine other fundraisers and Heart North Wales presenters Oli Kemp and Rachael Howarth in Killarney, County Kerry.

The group will be split into two teams headed by Oli and Rachael, and will spend the weekend challenging themselves to rock climb, scramble, abseil, cliff jump, trek in the dark and explore tunnel caves.

They’ll survive on food sourced from the land and sleep under basic army style tarpaulin shelters and tents.

So far Mark has raised £1,175 through his Just Giving Page and donations from local businesses including Advance Accountancy Southport, Bespoke Healthcare and Greater Lancashire Hospital, Merlin Cycles and SIB Insurance.

He hopes other businesses see the benefit in supporting the work of North West Cancer Research and help make a difference to many lives.

Trustee for North West Cancer Research, Mark Haig said: “I’m genuinely looking forward to the challenges and obstacles which will be thrown our way at the end of the month. I’m regular cyclist, so I’m fairly fit on two wheels, but we’ll see how I cope with wild rapids and jumping off a cliff.

“I am personally and professionally involved with North West Cancer Research in my role as trustee. I am proud to support a charity that can directly impact on the health and quality of life of individuals and the communities it serves.

“Having had cancer, I know too well the life-changing effect it can have on you and your loved ones. I was lucky enough to receive treatment that has led to a very positive outcome, but this is not always the case for everyone.

“The more money we raise for cancer research, the more advances we can make when it comes to cancer diagnosis and treatment.”

All money raised by the challengers will support North West Cancer Research, which funds life-saving cancer research across the North West. The charity has committed to funding more than £13milllion worth of research over the next five years.

Alastair Richards, CEO North West Cancer Research, said: “On behalf of everyone at the charity, I wish all our challengers the best of luck in their fundraising and training efforts. It’s the first time we’ve ever done anything like this and all the money raised will allow us to continue supporting world-class cancer research.”

To support Mark, you can donate to Team Rachael via Just Giving or you can donate £3 by texting NWCW47 £3 to 70070.

If you are a business which would like to find out more about sponsoring Mark you can contact NWCR on 0151 709 2919.