A determined young Shropshire fundraiser is set to take on one of the UK’s toughest endurance events—the Three Peaks Challenge – after his dad was diagnosed with incurable cancer.
Jack Davies and his close friend Riley Fletcher, from Minsterley, both aged 19, are taking on the challenge in support of the Lingen Davies Cancer Support Sunflower Appeal which is aiming to raise £5million for local cancer services and support. The pair are hoping to raise £5,000. The challenge will see the pair attempt to climb the UK’s three highest mountains—Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon—within just 24 hours on June 20, testing both their physical endurance and mental resilience. Jack’s motivation for undertaking this demanding challenge is deeply personal.
In January 2024, his father David was diagnosed with incurable cancer. Following the diagnosis, he began a two-year course of immunotherapy, which initially showed promising results.
However, in September 2025, the treatment stopped being effective, and the cancer spread to his lungs. Despite the devastating news, Jack’s father has remained a pillar of positivity for the family. Since then, he has undergone one of the most aggressive forms of chemotherapy alongside radiotherapy. In February 2026, further complications arose when a seizure revealed that the cancer had spread to his brain and spine. David recently underwent whole brain radiotherapy.
Reflecting on the journey, Jack said: “This disease is cruel and can continue to bring you down even when you’re at your lowest. Over the past two years, I’ve watched my Dad fight this horrible illness despite the physical and mental challenges. His strength, along with my Mum—who was also diagnosed with a benign brain tumour last year—and my brothers Luke and Harry, has inspired me to push myself to my absolute limits.”
Jack’s father has been receiving treatment every three weeks at the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre in Shrewsbury where the family has experienced exceptional care and compassion. This experience has driven Jack’s commitment to give back.
The charity focusses its time, money and energy in three key areas across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales; improving cancer prevention and early detection, supporting excellent cancer treatment locally, and supporting people living with and beyond cancer. The Sunflower Appeal will see the development of a new dedicated cancer unit at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford by 2029. The new facility will significantly reduce travel and waiting times for cancer patients across Shropshire, where currently treatment options are limited to Shrewsbury.
“This cause means everything to me,” Jack added. “The care my Dad has received has been out of this world, and we can’t thank them enough.”
Joining Jack on this journey is his friend Riley, who has supported him through every stage of his family’s experience.
“Riley has been there every step of the way,” said Jack. “There’s no one else I’d rather do this challenge with. I know he’ll push me through even when things get tough.”
In preparation for the challenge, the pair are committing to rigorous training while also working to raise as much awareness and funding as possible. They will be sharing updates on their progress in the lead-up to the event and encouraging community support through their fundraising efforts.
Jack and Riley hope their journey will not only raise vital funds but also bring people together in support of those affected by cancer.
For more information, updates, or to support the fundraiser, please follow Jack and Riley’s journey and contribute to their JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/jack-davies-three-peaks-challenge
For more information on the work of Lingen Davies Cancer Fund visit the website www.lingendavies.co.uk
Jack Davies and his friend Riley Fletcher, both aged 19 from Minsterley who are taking on the Three Peaks Challenge on June 20 to raise funds for Lingen Davies Cancer Support, which has been supporting his dad, who was diagnosed with incurable cancer in January 2024.
