Tree surgeon Tim Gardner is branching out as he prepares for the Everest Trail Race
- by Charlotte Colombo, Dorset Echo
- •
- 06 Aug, 2018
A tree surgeon is branching out as he prepares to run a gruelling race at the roof of the world. Tim Gardner, 34, will once again be supporting the GO Girls! Support Group when he tackles the Everest Trail Race in November.
GO Girls! is a West Dorset-based charity which supports people with ovarian cancer as well as their families.
Mr Gardner, from Bere Regis, describes this upcoming challenge as ‘a legacy’ for his mother, Helen.
"Ever since mum died from ovarian cancer, I have supported the GO Girls! charity. The work they do is inspirational – a small team of dedicated Trustees working hard to create change and raise awareness of ovarian cancer," he said.
Last year, he ran the challenging Les Marathon Des Sables – 250km over six days in a scorching Moroccan desert.
Through this, Mr Gardner raised £5,371.10 for GO Girls!.
This time, he is facing 153km with limited oxygen, icy terrain and altitudes of more than 25,000 meters.
The Lea Marathon Des Sables and Everest Trail race are both considered to be amongst the toughest challenges in the world.
For Mr Gardner, however, this is a very small price to pay.
"This is my challenge - her ovarian cancer challenge was much, much tougher," he said.
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer and affects 20 women daily in the UK. UK incidence rates of ovarian cancer are currently the ninth highest in Europe, and this is set to rise by 15% between 2014 and 2035.
Consequently, there are expected to be 32 cases per 100,000 women by 2035.
It is forecast that 1 in 52 women could be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
"Simply these are statistics we cannot ignore", said Hilary Maxwell, chairman of GO Girls!
"Ovarian cancer is a real problem, with poor survival in many cases - it should no longer be seen as "the silent killer" - there are symptoms, and women and GPs must look out for these.”
"No one wants to lose their mum”, said Mr Gardner. “She died so young, never having the time to get to know her grandchildren or they her - we have to change this for the future - I'd love your support".
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In the process of becoming a lawyer, Jessica has played a pivotal role in assembling and guiding several businesses on a multitude of levels that assist in promoting ethical, social and industry standards. Alongside providing hands-on support to businesses, Jessica is a founder of charity Bona Fide, where she established and drove forward the ‘Beyond Bluewashing’ initiative, to bring public attention to the unethical corporate world and its effects on society. In addition, she has published many academic journals, articles and law reviews in the area of business law, as well as encouraging corporate philanthropic encouragement. Jessica is a keen advocator for causes close to her heart, one of which is related to GO Girls, as she is passionate about propelling forward awareness on these overshadowed cancers that impact many globally.
