Local surgeons take on Tour du Mont Blanc challenge to raise funds for colorectal cancer care

Two senior surgeons from Tameside Hospital, together with a group of friends and colleagues, are set to take on one of Europe's most iconic trekking challenges to raise money for colorectal cancer services through Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity.

From 22 to 29 August, Mr Solkar, Cancer Lead for Tameside Hospital, and Mr Arora, Consultant Breast Oncoplastic and General Surgeon, will complete the world-renowned Tour du Mont Blanc, tackling six demanding hikes in seven days across France, Italy and Switzerland.

Circling the Mont Blanc massif, the route takes walkers over challenging mountain passes including the Col du Brévent, Col de la Seigne and Col des Fours, with steep ascents, rugged terrain and spectacular alpine scenery providing a true test of endurance.

The challenge follows the group's successful fundraising expedition in August last year, when they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, raising more than £3,400 for the Breast Cancer Fund at Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity.

Having witnessed first-hand the impact colorectal cancer can have on patients and their families, Mr Solkar said the group wanted to combine their passion for adventure with an opportunity to support local healthcare services.

"After taking on Kilimanjaro last year, we were keen to challenge ourselves again while supporting another important cause. As surgeons, we see every day the difference that excellent care, resources and support can make to patients throughout their treatment journey. The Tour du Mont Blanc will be physically demanding but knowing that the funds raised will help support colorectal cancer services at Tameside Hospital makes every step worthwhile. We hope our local community will get behind us and help us make a real difference."

Funds raised from the challenge will support the work of Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity, the official charity of Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. The charity helps enhance patient and staff experience through projects that go above and beyond NHS funding, including wellbeing initiatives, specialist equipment, care packages and improvements across hospital and community services.

Emily Whelan, Charity Manager at Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity, praised the team's commitment, saying that their efforts demonstrate the remarkable dedication of NHS staff both inside and outside the workplace.

"Mr Solkar, Mr Arora and their fellow trekkers have already shown what can be achieved through their successful Kilimanjaro fundraiser, and we're incredibly grateful that they have chosen to support our colorectal cancer team this year. The money they raise will help us continue funding projects and initiatives that directly benefit patients and families receiving care at Tameside Hospital. We wish them the very best as they prepare to take on this incredible challenge and thank everyone who chooses to support them."

If you would like to support their fundraising efforts, you can find their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/montblancforcancer