Written from the perspective of intrepid explorer, Pam Birkby, who trekked the Yorkshire Three Peaks for breast cancer research.
“Just keep walking.” My daily mantra.
These were the words given to me in May 2021 by one of my specialists when I was diagnosed with Secondary Breast Cancer.
They resonated deeply with me. This new chapter of life wasn’t about racing to the finish line; it was about putting one foot in front of the other, always moving forward, always searching for hope. There was no need to rush, just to keep showing up and dealing with whatever came next.
I also took those words quite literally. Get up and walk, keep fit, keep my body strong.
Hiking became a way to stay active, keep my body strong and clear my mind. So, when I started looking for a new fundraising challenge, taking on a big walk felt like the obvious choice.
On 16 May 2026, just five years after my diagnosis, I set off at 6am from Horton-in-Ribblesdale with an incredible group of 24 friends and family to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
The morning was crisp and chilly at just 3°C, but the sun was shining, the snack supplies were plentiful, and everyone was excited for the challenge ahead.
Within 80 minutes, we had reached the summit of the first peak, Pen-y-Ghent. From the top, we could see the other two peaks waiting for us in the distance, along with the vast route that would make up our day. The views were breathtaking, although slightly daunting, and we continued to watch them as we made our way downhill towards Ribblehead Viaduct and the foothills of Whernside.
A welcome sight of our support team and some homemade flapjack gave us a much-needed boost, although doubts were beginning to creep in. Even as an experienced hiker, I was tackling this challenge just four days after chemotherapy, with a body that was rejecting food and questioning the need for sleep.
Whernside proved to be the most enjoyable climb of the day. There was no scrambling involved, just a steady ascent rewarded by spectacular views stretching across Morecambe Bay and beyond. However, as we reached the summit, the weather began to change. Clouds rolled in, coats came out, and the imposing shape of Ingleborough lay ahead. This was the real test.
The final climb felt endless, as though someone was moving the summit marker further away with every step I took. But eventually, we all reached the final trig point. Every hand touched it, and we knew we had done it. All that remained was the six-mile descent back to the village.
Six miles that felt more like sixty.
“But we made it.”
After 39 kilometres, 1,700 metres of ascent, and completing the challenge within our 12-hour target, we crossed the finish line with a huge sense of achievement and the knowledge that we had raised more than £7,000 for Against Breast Cancer.
The support from friends, family and everyone who donated made every step worthwhile.
I’d love to say, “never again“, but there is already talk of the next challenge…
After all, the mantra remains the same – “Just keep walking”.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Pam Birkby and her amazing family and friends for what they achieved in support of Against Breast Cancer.
If you are interested in taking part in your own Yorkshire Three Peaks Trek or any other events for Against Breast Cancer, please do have a look at our events for some inspiration or email us at events@againstbreastcancer.org.uk for more information.