An employee from Poole-based telecommunications firm VoIP Unlimited is set to scale new heights in the name of fundraising.
Natasha Wyatt, service delivery manager at VoIP Unlimited, will be taking on the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ -one of Britain’s toughest physical challenges- to raise money for a serving firefighter at Dorset Fire and Rescue who has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Andy Culliford, aged 37 years, was diagnosed with the rare condition in 2011 when he was told he had between two and five years to live meaning he is no longer able to continue his profession of saving lives.
In the past year, Andrew has spent more than £60,000 on an unlicensed drug which he believes is his only hope in slowing the impact of the disease, which results in severe damage to the nervous system. Andrew has already lost use of both his arms, struggles with swallowing and has muscle wastage in his right leg.
Money raised will fund vital medication for Andrew, providing him with as much quality time with his family as possible.
Natasha will put on her walking boots on June 22 and will endeavour to climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – in under 24 hours for the Andrew Culliford Fund.
To combat the peaks, Natasha’s training consists of walking a minimum of eight miles a day, cycling and horse riding as well as building up her cardio and strength at regular gym sessions.
Natasha says: “I have heard that many people participating in this event aim to climb Ben Nevis in five hours, Scafell Pike in four hours and Snowdon in three and a half hours, so it looks as if I have my work cut out for me! Having said this, whatever time I complete this challenge in, my main hope is to raise much needed funds for Andrew. For a man whose job is to save others I feel more determined than ever to give something back to him.”
Those wishing to donate to the Andrew Culliford Fund are invited to visit their Paypal homepage, click on ‘send money’ and enter 3peaks@voip-unlimited.net in the address bar, or to email 3peaks@voip-unlimited.net for more information.