A MOTHER-of-two has completed a gruelling six-day challenge to raise money and awareness of testicular cancer following her brother’s diagnosis.

Kristel Kemp, 35, of Baycliff, raised £3,820 for the Rosemere Regional Cancer Foundation in Preston where her brother Jamie received treatment.

In July Ms Kemp, who is mum to nine-year-old Jack and four-year-old Charlie, walked across 35 Lake District fells over five days.

She then took part in a Total Warrior challenge, which she completed in 1hr 51min putting her in 94th place out of 1,500 females.

Ms Kemp, who works at BAE Systems, said: “I didn’t realise quite how hard it was going to be, but I really enjoyed it in my own little way.

“My phone broke on day one and that was my way of navigating with the GPS so I had to learn to read a map from there.

“The weather was a bit rubbish for the first few days but the whole experience was really good, and I had so much support from my whole family.

“It’s great to see Jamie coming to the end of his journey with cancer. As soon as you hear the C word, you can’t help but think the worst, but Jamie never gave up.

“It’s testament to his strength and determination, along with the amazing care he’s received over the last four years from the Rosemere suite, that I still have my brother alive today.”

After the challenge Mr Kemp, who was diagnosed in December 2010, presented the money to the Rosemere Regional Cancer Foundation.


Kristel’s brother Jamie Kemp with his wife Michaela JON GRANGER Mr Kemp, 40, from Barrow, who owns Yarlside Stores, Yarlside Road, said: “We are all just so tremendously proud of what Kristel has done.

“After the fells she has climbed and the amount of money she was able to raise, I just want to say thank you to everyone who donated.

“She got herself really fit to do this challenge and the whole family are so proud.

“I have since had my second to last six-month check-up, so all being well I have one appointment left in March and that will be five years since I had the last dose of chemo.”

The money Ms Kemp raised will be earmarked for urological cancer at the Rosemere Regional Cancer Foundation.

She said: “My first target was £750, so I was really shocked to raise so much. I’ve been very touched by how much support I’ve had from friends, family and colleagues.

“Even local businesses who don’t know me have sponsored me very generously too – like Furness Tiles and The Waterworks.”

<u>Kristel’s week</u>

Day 1: Six fells – from Honister Pass: Grey Knotts, Brandreth, Haystacks, High Crag, High Stile, Red Pike

Day 2: Six fells from Little Town: Catbells, Maiden Moor, High Spy, Dale Head, Hindscarth, Robinson

Day 3: Eight fells – from Braithwaite: Barrow, Outerside, Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Sail, Eel Crag, Hopegill Head, Grisedale Pike

Day 4: Six fells – from Branthwaite: Longlands Fell, Brae Fell, Great Sca Fell, Knott, Eal Fell, Great Cockup

Day 5: Nine fells – from Martindale: Steel Knotts, High Raise, Rampsgill Head, Kidsty Pike, The Knott, Rest Dodd, Brock Crags, Angletarn Pikes, Beda Fell

Day 6: Total Warrior obstacle course challenge