After walking the entire circumference of Ullswater Lake in the Lake District in 2025, Faye Collins took on her latest big challenge for Gateshead Health Charity: the Yorkshire Three Peaks. All funds raised from her trek will directly support the St Bede’s Palliative Care Unit.
Covering 24 miles, the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge tackles Pen-y-Ghent (694 metres), Whernside (736 metres), and Ingleborough (723 metres). Yet for Faye, the effort was never just about the distance or the tough climbs. It was about giving back to the team who cared for her dad, Richard, during the final weeks of his life.
On Sunday 30 August, Faye completed the challenge in an incredible 10 hours and 40 minutes, comfortably beating her sub-12-hour goal. Along the way, she raised £1,885 (including Gift Aid) to help staff continue supporting patients and families across Gateshead.
Faye said:
“St Bede’s is quiet, gentle, compassionate and staffed by people who seem more like angels than nurses. They didn’t just look after my dad; they looked after us as a family. They held us up when we were breaking. They gave us comfort when there were no words left. They made sure dad’s final days were peaceful, dignified and surrounded by love.
“Every step up Pen‑y‑Ghent, Whernside, Ingleborough and every mile in between was for them, the doctors and nurses who cared for dad, and for every family who will one day need the same kindness.
“If you’re able to donate, you’ll be helping St Bede’s continue their incredible work. You’ll be helping another family feel the same comfort we did. You’ll be honouring my dad in the most meaningful way.”
Falling just days before the two-year anniversary of Richard’s passing, the challenge carried deep personal significance for Faye, who felt her dad’s presence with her every step of the way.
“This was a way of keeping his memory alive, not just for me, but for everyone who knew and loved him. A way of saying: you mattered, and you always will.”
If you’d like to support Faye, please visit her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/3-peaks-for-my-dad?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Thank you, Faye, from everyone at Gateshead Health Charity and St Bede’s Palliative Care Unit.
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