Walkers in the Yorkshire Dales could spot some unusual characters conquering its highest peaks today.
A group of five pals are taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to fundraise for Brain Tumour Research in memory of their schoolfriend Aria Nikjooy, who died from a medulloblastoma in February, aged 30.
John Rapinet, James Royle, Reza Ali, Simon Rolley and Chris Slack are walking the 25-mile circular route summiting Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. They are paying tribute to Aria and hiking dressed in costumes depicting characters from Aria’s children’s books, Eddie and the Magic Healing Stone and Eddie and the Last Dodo on Earth.
John (pictured) said: “I will be wearing a green stegosaurus costume, James will be dressed as a triceratops and Simon and Reza are dressing up as lions. The outfits are very warm but not waterproof, so we’re hoping they’ll withstand the weather conditions as we ascend a total of 1,585 metres and walk for up to 12 hours or so. We think Aria would’ve found it funny, so that’s why we’re doing it, as well as to help raise awareness of the great work he did while he was bravely battling this awful disease.”
To make a donation in support of the team, click here.
A proportion of the funds raised will be used to distribute Aria’s children’s books to hospitals and hospices, and the rest will be donated to Brain Tumour Research.
You can join our Fighting Force team and conquer the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in 2022. Click here to find out more and register.
Related reading:
If you found this story interesting or helpful, sign up to our weekly e-news and keep up to date with all the latest from Brain Tumour Research.