Giles takes on iconic Bob Graham Challenge in memory of his dad
A North East supporter is preparing to take on one of the UK’s most demanding endurance challenges to say thank you for the compassionate care his family received at Wansbeck General Hospital’s palliative care unit.
Giles, an experienced fell runner and mountaineer from Kendal, is attempting the iconic Bob Graham Challenge – a gruelling route across the Lake District that takes in 42 mountains, over 66 miles, and around 27,000 feet of ascent.
While many participants aim to complete the challenge within 24 hours, Giles has set himself an equally formidable goal: completing it over 48 hours, combining two long-distance days with an overnight rest, to ensure he can complete the route safely.
Living on the edge of the Lake District, Giles has spent years running and walking in the fells, but the Bob Graham represents a huge step up.
“The Bob Graham is such an iconic challenge,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of fell running and mountaineering over the years, so it felt like something I could work towards, drawing on that experience – even though it’s by far the biggest thing I’ve ever attempted.”
Training for the challenge has been intense, involving months of preparation since November, early‑morning starts, and repeated hill climbs through winter darkness.
“A lot of the training has been really hard in itself,” Giles explained. “Getting up at two in the morning to walk in the hills in winter isn’t always easy – but it’s been worth it.”
Behind the physical challenge is a deeply personal motivation. Giles is raising funds for Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity in gratitude for the care his dad received at Wansbeck Palliative Care, where he spent the final weeks of his life.
“The care was incredible,” Giles said. “Everyone was so compassionate and kind, and they gave us all the space and time we needed to be together as a family. There was never any pressure – it just felt calm, respectful and caring.”
His dad stayed on the unit for around two weeks, during which time staff went above and beyond to support both him and his loved ones.
“He had his own room, a lovely, comfortable space, and he had nothing but good things to say about the staff,” said Giles. “One of the biggest things for him was being able to see the family dogs. We’re big dog people, so having them come in to visit meant so much. It was such a thoughtful touch.”
That experience has been a huge source of motivation during months of demanding training.
“Knowing why I’m doing this really helps,” Giles said. “People have been incredibly supportive through sponsorship, and while no one’s putting pressure on me, you do put that expectation on yourself. Doing this for my dad is a massive motivator.”
Some sections of the route – particularly the steep, rocky ascent of Great Gable, which comes late in the challenge – are expected to be especially tough.
“That one’s going to hurt,” Giles laughed. “By that point you’re absolutely knackered, so you really have to switch your brain off and just keep going.”
He’ll be supported throughout the challenge by his partner and friends, with a special appearance from their ten‑year‑old dog, Ollie, who will join him for the final ten miles.
“He’s earned a gentler pace these days,” Giles said, “but it’ll be really special to have him there at the end.”
So far, Giles has raised around £1,850, with all funds going towards supporting palliative care through Bright.
“It might feel like a drop in the ocean,” he said, “but I know it all helps. We wanted to say thank you in some way, and this felt like something positive we could do.”
He recalls how even small practical challenges on the ward – like equipment issues during last summer’s heatwave – highlighted how valuable charitable support can be alongside NHS funding.
“Anything that helps give other families the kind of experience we had is worth doing.”
When Giles eventually crosses the finish line, he knows exactly what it will mean.
“Honestly, the first thing will be sitting down,” he said. “But beyond that, it’ll feel like completing a mission. A way of saying thank you and doing something in my dad’s memory. Just knowing I’ve done my best to honour him.”
If you’d like to support Giles’ fundraiser, please visit his JustGiving page linked below.
