HR Media Logo

Ain’t no mountain high enough… for Neurocare!

28 August 2008

A Barnsley brother is setting new heights for charity, as he prepares to take on the challenge of hiking up one of England’s toughest mountains.

A Barnsley brother is setting new heights for charity, as he prepares to take on the challenge of hiking up one of England's toughest mountains.

Ian Hanson, 25, from Barnsley, will climb Green Gable in the Lake District, Cumbria, to show his support for the charity Neurocare, which raises money for the Neurosciences department at Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital. 

Ian's sister, Erica Hanson, 21, was treated at the hospital when she suffered head injuries after a terrible road accident.

Ian said: "The day before Good Friday Erica planned to come to my house to give my children their Easter eggs, but on the way over she was knocked down by a car.

"She was rushed to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and had to have an operation as she had severe head injuries and internal bleeding.

"We were told reassuringly she might only have a 50/50 chance of survival. But all the staff worked wonders for her and after seven weeks in ICU, she's made an excellent recovery.

"It was a really horrible time for the family and it just shows you never know what's around the corner.  I found it especially hard because she's my little sister. When something like this happens it's amazing how much support family gives each other.

"We are so grateful with the treatment and care Erica received at the hospital. She's come on brilliantly and we can't thank all those involved enough for saving her life."

Ian hopes to raise more than £2,000 for Neurocare by climbing Great Gable on Saturday September 13, with his close friend Martin Wright.  

Ian added: "Martin and I decided to climb Great Gable because, although it isn't the UK's largest mountain, it is one of the most physically demanding - it's steep sided, high and rough, with lots of obstacles!

"To prepare for the climb, we are currently underway with a six week training programme. We go to the gym three times a week for a couple of hours to build up lower body strength and fitness.

"It will still be a tough challenge, although to spur us on we've read that when you do reach the top the panoramic views are fantastic, so we hope we won't be disappointed!"

Great Gable has a gradient of 8.5km (5 miles) with the summit reaching 899m (2,949ft). The climb is usually completed in around five hours.

To sponsor Ian, visit www.justgiving.com/1IanHanson 

ENDS

Photo caption: Ian Hanson with his sister, Erica Hanson.

Categories: Neurocare