Police sergeant who tragically lost his daughter leads 3 Peaks challenge for infant loss charity
The team will aim to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales, and Scotland in 24 hours
A police sergeant whose daughter, Primrose, tragically died just a week before her second birthday is taking part in the 3 Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Sunderland based infant death charity 4Louis.
The hike takes in the three highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon – and covers a distance of around 23 miles, with 3,000 metres of elevation.
Participants aim to complete the challenge in 24 hours.
Following the loss of his daughter in 2019, Sergeant Steve Adey - of Durham Constabulary’s Roads and Armed Policing Unit (DRAP) - has organised the challenge for a cause which is close to his heart.
Officers taking part hope the challenge will also raise awareness of the Fatal Four, which are the four main factors that contribute to deaths on the UK’s roads; speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not wearing a seatbelt, and mobile phone use.
Sgt Adey said: “Many of the officers taking part in this challenge are specialist roads policing officers, who are dedicated to keeping the roads safe.
“All too often, they have to deal with collisions which involve one or more of the fatal four and must deliver the horrendous news to a family that their loved one has been seriously hurt, or worse, killed.
“Sadly, a number of these involve children, who are one of the most vulnerable road users. Six children are killed or seriously hurt on the UK’s roads every day, which is the equivalent of a whole class of children every week – these figures are utterly heart-breaking and completely unacceptable.
“Through this challenge, we hope to raise awareness of the fatal four and the devastation they can cause, while also raising funds for 4Louis, to provide much-needed support to anyone affected by child loss.”
All money raised from the challenge will go towards 4Louis’ vital work within the north east supporting bereaved parents.
The charity provides memory boxes, cold cots that allow families precious time with their baby, bereavement training for healthcare professionals, and support resources during and after loss.
Charity representative Paula Parnaby said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support from Durham Constabulary as they take on this tough and meaningful challenge. Having met the team, I’ve seen their determination first-hand, and I’ve every confidence they'll rise to the challenge.
“Police officers often face one of the most heart-breaking duties imaginable, telling a family they’ve lost a loved one, sometimes a child. This is where we can work closely with the police, to ensure bereaved families are not left to face their grief alone.
“Every pound raised through this challenge will help us continue providing vital support to families coping with the devastating loss of a baby or child. Together, we can make sure they receive the care and compassion they need when it matters most."
The team will embark on their challenge on the evening of Thursday, June 18 in Scotland, and aim to finish the following evening in Wales.
The team are being supported by Workwear Express, who’ve provided clothing and rucksacks.
You can donate to the cause via the team’s JustGiving page.