Fundraising for Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity
Craig Sweeney
My Story
After one of the most challenging years of my life, facing mental health struggles and the closure of my business, I found myself in a really dark place. I needed something to give me purpose, structure, and a reason to keep pushing forward. That’s when I decided to take on one of the biggest physical and mental challenges I could imagine: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The highest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro is also the highest mountain on the African continent at 5895m
Cancer has sadly touched my family many times. I’ve lost loved ones to it, and I’ve also seen the other side; the strength, compassion and support that makes such a difference. Family member have been on the receiving end directly from Ipswich Hospital Cancer unit and they found incredible comfort through the Cancer Wellbeing services at Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals. It wasn’t just medical care, it was the human touch, the safe space and the reassurance that she wasn’t facing cancer alone.
That’s why this cause means so much to me. I want to give back, and to make sure other families can benefit from the same support my aunt received.
To do this, I’ll be taking on a series of challenges over the next year to raise as much as possible. It starts this September with 600,000 steps, followed in October by the Hospital Hike — walking the 21 miles from Colchester Hospital to Ipswich Hospital. Next year, I’ll be pushing myself even further with the Three Peaks Challenge, before taking on the ultimate test: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2027
Every step, every mile, and every peak is in memory of those I’ve lost, in honour of those still fighting, and in support of the incredible teams who make such a difference.
Any donation, big or small, will help the Cancer Wellbeing service continue to support families through the toughest of times. Thank you for standing with me.
After one of the most challenging years of my life, facing mental health struggles and the closure of my business, I found myself in a really dark place. I needed something to give me purpose, structure, and a reason to keep pushing forward. That’s when I decided to take on one of the biggest physical and mental challenges I could imagine: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The highest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro is also the highest mountain on the African continent at 5895m
Cancer has sadly touched my family many times. I’ve lost loved ones to it, and I’ve also seen the other side; the strength, compassion and support that makes such a difference. Family member have been on the receiving end directly from Ipswich Hospital Cancer unit and they found incredible comfort through the Cancer Wellbeing services at Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals. It wasn’t just medical care, it was the human touch, the safe space and the reassurance that she wasn’t facing cancer alone.
That’s why this cause means so much to me. I want to give back, and to make sure other families can benefit from the same support my aunt received.
To do this, I’ll be taking on a series of challenges over the next year to raise as much as possible. It starts this September with 600,000 steps, followed in October by the Hospital Hike — walking the 21 miles from Colchester Hospital to Ipswich Hospital. Next year, I’ll be pushing myself even further with the Three Peaks Challenge, before taking on the ultimate test: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2027
Every step, every mile, and every peak is in memory of those I’ve lost, in honour of those still fighting, and in support of the incredible teams who make such a difference.
Any donation, big or small, will help the Cancer Wellbeing service continue to support families through the toughest of times. Thank you for standing with me.
