An intrepid fundraiser has tackled the Three Peaks while carrying his paraplegic son, giving back to the Warwick charity that supported them. Over the weekend of June 27 and 28, Pete Haslam led a team of 15 friends and family members to bring 11-year-old Ted along for the 23-mile trek across England, Scotland and Wales.
Cancer left Ted paralysed at age three
Ted was left paralysed at the age of three after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt’s Lymphoma, an aggressive spinal tumour. Pete, from Sutton Coldfield, said: “His back was hurting but he was only young and couldn't articulate what the problem was – but on this particular morning, his legs just stopped working. Turns out the tumour was doubling in size every 24 hours.”
Ted underwent six hours of surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital the same day, but doctors warned that spinal cord compression is irreversible and his function level would likely not improve. Today, Ted remains active with weekly physio and mobility sessions.
Involving Ted in fundraising challenges
Pete has always been determined to include his son in fundraising challenges. The latest involved ascending more than 10,000m over the weekend, taking up to 30 hours. Four teams of four, on rotation, carried and pushed Ted in his wheelchair up Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis. Proceeds go to Molly Ollys, which donated soft play equipment to Ted during his intensive treatment.
The charity supports children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families, providing wishes and donating therapeutic toys and books to children and hospitals across the UK.
Pete's toughest feat yet
Although not his first fundraiser for Molly Ollys, this is the toughest. Pete said: “It was amazing what Molly Ollys did for Ted. When you go through all that as a parent, the last thing you're thinking about is shall we go out and buy something special for him? It's great that the charity is there to offer that because we were too busy day-to-day thinking about treatment and the odd bits of respite that we could get. I've got involved in so many fundraising events since I met them.
“We did the Snowdon Push for the last three years for a charity called Back Up. Last year we did Ben Nevis with Ted and he loved it. This year we said we're going to do the Three Peaks before he gets too heavy.”
Team support and weather concerns
At 53, Pete is one of the oldest in the group and grateful for support from the team, which includes an ex-Royal Marine, ex-Fire Service and ex-policeman. He added: “I am not really nervous but am looking closely at the weather because if Ted gets wet it could be a game-changer.”
Rachel from Molly Ollys said: “Ted is such an inspiration. He is a courageous and determined lad who is willing to do any challenge that is put in front of him. Just like he’s done with his two Snowdon challenges, he’ll have ample support from Dad Pete and plenty more family and friends as they tackle the Three Peaks.
“Molly Ollys is so grateful for their continued support as the funds raised over the years have helped us provide numerous wishes for children around the UK dealing with challenging times due to having life-threatening illnesses. Everyone associated with Molly Ollys wishes Ted, Pete and the crew all the very best.”
