Yorkshire Three Peaks: Schoolmates reunite after 20 years to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK in memory of friend

The group – Paul Bosworth, Paul Crossland, Sean Curry, Mark Hargreaves, Adrien Harris, Kristopher Jaques, Mukesh Patel, Beth Smithson and Matthew Weaver – will take on the challenge on April 20.

They will attempt to reach the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – a total of 24 miles – in 12 hours, in memory of Simon Mirfin, who died in September 2023.

Simon’s dad, Stephen Mirfin, said: “Simon’s friends are taking on a big challenge to do the Three Peaks in his honour.

"This fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK follows the kindness of the many who came to Simon’s funeral and donated to the charity on that day too.

"The funeral gathering prompted the group of friends to honour Simon and take on a challenge together to raise further funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

"My wife and I have total respect for all of them as it’s not an easy challenge they’ve chosen to do.

"Support for their fundraising has already amazed us and we will be there on the day to see them off and welcome them back to the finish line.

"It will be a tough and emotional day that will be shared by many.”

Mukesh said: “We didn’t stay in touch as a group, but each of us remained in regular contact with Simon. He was the connection.

“I hadn’t seen the others for over 20 years – we never fell out, but life just took us in different directions.

"It took the sad occasion of Simon’s funeral to bring us all together again and when we got talking, we decided we wanted to do something for him and that is when we came up with the idea to do the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.”

Simon was diagnosed with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) at 11 years of age.

Despite his diagnosis, Mukesh said he was very sporty growing up and a big Manchester United fan.

Mukesh added: “He also loved reading and spending time with family and friends. He was so knowledgeable about many different subjects – I think that’s why we all loved spending time with him.

"He was intelligent, forever optimistic, and full of wit and humour.”

The group have been training for the upcoming challenge for the past three months, and hope to raise awareness as well as raise the £5,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

The charity supported Simon and his family to gain a deeper understanding of the condition and provided advice for ongoing support, future care needs and equipment that would help Simon to be as independent as possible once his mobility began to decline after he turned 20 years old.

Susanne Driffield, regional development manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “We’re so grateful to Simon’s friends for taking on this challenge for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

"It’s clear Simon made a huge impact on the lives of those who knew him, and despite the sad circumstances he has brought old friends back together who are now helping to leave a legacy for their friend.”

The team’s Just Giving page can be found here.

More information about muscular dystrophy can be found here.