Hiking in spite of cancer.

Hello, my name is Ash Jones.

Im not really one for social media or any extra attention on me and my personal life. However, I feel as though this is a very suitable exception.

A close friend, extended family member, and work colleague David Davies (AKA Maggot) was diagnosed with throat cancer at the start of the year.

Since then, it has progressed to the lymphnode system and hip bone. It has now escalated to terminal.

When the term ' palliative care ' is being put into conversation with doctors at the age of 44, with a wife, 3 young children, and dogs.

I'm sure everyone can appreciate how devastating this news is to Dave, his family, and all those close to him.

Dave is currently undergoing immunotherapy. This consists of many hospital and doctors appointments. As well as many many blood tests and is currently unable to work.

As I'm sure everyone is aware, ill or not those bills keep on coming. Insurance companies will keep on dragging their feet.

During these times, I feel as though Dave and his families attention should be solely focused on treatment, making family memories and trying to stay as positive and upbeat as they can be... Not having to stress about that next mortgage payment.

So that brings me to what I'm setting up this page in aid of.

I don't like to ask for help with my hand out, I want to earn it.

So I have enlisted the help of some friends and colleagues who have all been helped by Dave at some point in their lives or career.

I'm 37, and I have worked with Dave since I turned 16. He trained me as an apprentice at Volvo truck and bus, and in 2010, we both moved to Mercedes-Benz cars and continued to work there since.

In that time, he met and married my cousin and had 3 boys.

David Wakenshaw also worked with Dave at Volvo and has been a close friend of mine since we were 11.

James Dorsett has done his apprenticeship at Mercedes and has had assistance and knowledge passed down from Dave.

Luke Alexander is also at Mercedes and also received help and advice from Dave in the short time he's been there.

The four of us have decided to try and give back the help that Dave has freely and selflessly given to us and many others throughout his life by signing up to do The Longmynd Hike.

The Longmynd Hike is a competition Hike, consisting of a figure of eight route over the rugged countryside of the Shropshire hills & Welsh marches.

It consists of,

50 miles,

8000+ feet of elevation,

And

Covering 8 summits.

The course must also be completed in under 24 hours.

As I'm sure you can appreciate, this is no small task. We want to be sure we earn any money that people are able and willing to give.

The hike takes place over the 5th & 6th of October. So we have until then to prepare and practice as much as we can to ensure we succeed and raise as much money as we can.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you are able to give, I am extremely grateful.

I appreciate the times we live in, and if you cannot if you could please drop this a share so that it can reach more people. That would also be very helpful.

Thanks again. Ash.