A POOLE man is raising money to increase awareness of Ewing’s Sarcoma after this rare form of cancer claimed the life of his husband.

Mike Green from Creekmoor is doing the Three Peaks Challenge later this month in memory of his husband, Dal, who was a computer software engineer.

The aim is to walk the three biggest mountains in the UK within 24 hours.

“I had been with Dal for six years. He had been going to the doctors complaining of back pain but they told him it was just growing pains,” said Mike.

“He was eventually diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, and had extreme chemotherapy, radiotherapy and countless operations.

“Last year he was told it was terminal. We got married in the May and in the August he sadly passed away aged 25.”

Ewing’s Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer which affects children and younger adults.

“Throughout the treatment, Dal didn’t think of himself, rather how others were dealing with it. He made sure everyone else was fine. He didn’t want to worry people.

“He was the most generous, lovely guy. He had so many friends. Thanks to donations at his funeral we raised £5,000 for charity.”

Soon after, Mike did a charity skydive, raising a further £5,000 into researching the disease.

“I have vowed to do a challenge every year in memory of Dal and to raise money for cancer charities. It’s what he wanted.”

Today, the double glazing fitter, together with close friends Sallie Wills, Russell Wills, Andy Wills, Maddie Beaumont and Mike Birch, will trek Ben Nevis, Scafell pike and Snowdonia.

Bournemouth-based personal trainer Kris Cann is helping Mike to build up stamina in his legs. The arduous task involves trekking and climbing over boulders.

“I’ve been told that coming down the mountains affects the legs more,” said Mike.

“Hopefully, conditions won’t be too hot, cold, wet or slippery.”

The team – called Creamy Peppercorns after Dal’s favourite food – have already reached their £1500 target.

“The chosen charities are the Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust as well as Marie Curie and Clic Sergent who really helped us when Dal was ill.”

To sponsor Mike and the team please visit virginmoney giving.com/team/creamypeppercorns