68 Peaks
68 peaks, aged 68 for Beauden's 68 days is the mammoth challenge completed by Beauden's Grandad (Tim). Following Beauden's diagnosis, Tim was subsequently diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy. That Tim was able to undertake this challenge perhaps demonstrates why Myotonic Dystrophy is often described as the "most variable of all diseases found in medicine" (Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation).
Tim set off 29 March 2022, ascending his first mountain peak, Red Pike in Buttermere, finishing 12 April 2022 with the highest peak in England, Scafell Pike. The 12th April was also the last day of his 68th year.
He took on the 68 highest peaks in the Lake District, which is basically the 68 highest peaks in England. 63 of the Lake District's 68 highest peaks feature in England's 68 highest peaks (only peaks 27, 35, 46, 50 and 63 are from outside the Lake District).
Before setting off Tim said, "my 68 Peaks Challenge is principally in honour of Beauden, not just his memory, but of the little man himself. He shared with us 68 treasured days of unrelenting love and courage, and passed on to his future siblings, and wider family, a priceless Lifegiving legacy, which will save so much suffering for others. I will be thinking of him, thanking him, and reflecting on his legacy as I journey each peak; beautiful baby Beauden, Grandson, Lifegiver".
On completion, Tim said, "Whilst I feel a great sense of achievement, I’ll be happy if I don’t see another mountain for a while! Seriously though, it’s been a mix of super days, usually when I’ve had company and the weather’s been good, and some rather tough days.. you guessed it, when I’ve been solo and the weather’s been grim! But the support of family and friends has kept me focussed, and throughout, keeping Beauden in my heart and mind has been all the motivation I needed"
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His journey is plotted out in the table below. For the eagle-eyed among you, Beauden's Grandad assures us that there are two peaks named High Raise and Red Pike and that he's not a couple of peaks short.
