Chris on Scoat Fell

Reaching the peak of Skiddaw was a poignant moment for Chris Saunders. Not only did it mean that his epic challenge to scale 50 Lake District peaks in one year was nearing its end, it is the only peak that Chris ever climbed with his close friend Graham Hollows. Management Consultant Chris and Headteacher Graham had planned to tackle the challenge of climbing 50 of the hundreds of peaks in the Lake District together.

"When we were about 47 or 48, we started talking about doing something for when we both turned 50, as our birthdays are in February," explains Chris. "We knew that it was definitely going to be in the Lake District, so we planned to walk up 50 peaks for our 50th year. Actually, I think we discussed having a pint on each peak too." 

Then, tragically in November 2009, Graham died suddenly. 

"I thought hang it all. I'll do it anyway," admits Chris, who was joint best man at Graham's wedding in 2003.

Chris and Graham

Chris decided to go ahead with the trip in honour of Graham and his own birthday, but raise money for charity at the same time. 

I knew that Graham had been a supporter of Teacher Support Network for about ten years before he died, and Teacher Support Network were absolutely fantastic after he died," Chris remembers, "responding with information and literature, and then when his widow, family and friends raised money in his memory. Teacher Support Network were very sensitive about how to use it. When they dedicated a section of the website to Graham, it was all really good." Chris began his big challenge on 5 February 2011, which would have been Graham's 50th birthday and just days before Chris' own birthday.

"We started with Loughrigg, which was Graham's favourite fell. We all, including Graham's widow Towe and his three children, got to the top and had a toast to Graham. It was poignant and difficult."

Despite this Chris describes the climb as one of the highlights of the experience. It is not the only one.

"The real highlight is that I have not done one walk on my own. Work colleagues, friends and family have joined me throughout," he adds. "Except for one sneaky walk while the Royal Wedding was on. "As for lows, Chris says there have been none. "Other than being blown off a mountain1,000 feet up!"

Chris walked again over the August Bank Holiday, scaling three to four peaks a day, and plans to finish the challenge in September. He has already reached his original fundraising target, but has mentally reset it.

"I now hope to raise £5,000, but as you go on, most of my friends and family have already sponsored me, so it is getting more difficult," said Chris. 

Chris on Loughrigg

Chris has kept a diary of his climbs and his experiences.  Click here to see how he got on.

• If you would like to help Chris reach his £5,000 target, visit his Virgin Money Giving page: Remembering Graham
• If you would like to walk with Chris on his final walk, email: jason.harrison@teachersupport.info
• 'Lead by example' was created in memory of Graham with the help of donations from his family and friends.  Click here to find out more.