Climbing – for a cause and why I chose Nacoa
This summer, I took on the biggest physical and emotional challenge of my life so far: completing the National 3 Peaks Challenge in under 24 hours, all in support of Nacoa, a charity incredibly close to my heart.
For those unfamiliar, the 3 Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales: Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon in one continuous push, including the long drives between.
It’s a serious test of endurance, mindset, and teamwork. And while the physical side was tough, the “why” behind it kept me going.
I chose Nacoa – the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, because their mission hits close to home.
My stepdad battled alcoholism
I grew up in a household where alcohol was abused. It shaped so much of my early life in ways that are hard to explain unless you’ve lived through it.
My stepdad battled alcoholism for decades. Despite multiple attempts at rehab and support, addiction ultimately took his life.
Watching someone you love deteriorate under the weight of alcohol dependency is heartbreaking, and for a child and teenager, it’s incredibly confusing, isolating, and traumatic.
Thankfully, our story didn’t end in total tragedy. My mum, after years of struggle, turned her life around. Today, she’s healthy, happy, and enjoys proper, meaningful time with our family.
But I know not every child gets that outcome. That’s why Nacoa matters so much.
Giving back
For me, raising money for Nacoa was about more than charity, it was about giving back to a cause I wish I’d known about sooner.
I signed up for the challenge with a group of close friends, all fundraising for charities that mattered personally to us. It wasn’t just about the physical feat; it was about using something difficult to shed light on something even tougher: the invisible battles many kids face at home.
We trained hard, made plans, shared nervous energy in group chats, and then on 28th-29th June, we did it.
One mountain after the other. No sleep. Wet boots. Blisters. Energy gels. Stiff knees. Hour-long drives in between climbs.
But somehow, we pushed through together, finishing all three summits and travel within 23 hours and 27 minutes… making us part of the 33% who complete it within the 24-hour window.
The pride of reaching that final peak, exhausted but elated, was overwhelming. We were broken, buzzing, and emotional all at once.
More than £10,000 was raised between the five of us, and I was proud to personally send £2,000 directly to Nacoa after the challenge.
Messages from people who had grown up with alcoholic parents
I received countless private messages from people who had never heard of Nacoa, who, like me, had grown up with alcoholic parents and never spoken about it. People who thanked me for putting it into words.
Others who opened up about their own struggles. The level of connection and support was powerful and humbling.
It made me realise that awareness is as important as fundraising.
Nacoa’s work needs to be seen and heard by more people. If my challenge—and the conversations it sparked—led even one person to reach out, ask for help, or feel less alone, then every step was worth it.
What started as a personal goal became something much bigger.
It’s incredible what your body and mind can endure when fuelled by purpose and community. And it’s even more powerful when people come together to support causes that matter deeply to them.
Let’s keep climbing
To anyone thinking of taking on a challenge for Nacoa, do it.
You’ll not only be supporting vital work, but you might also begin to heal parts of yourself in the process.
I’ll be staying involved with Nacoa as part of their member community, and I look forward to future events, walks, and connecting with others who share this mission.
Thank you to everyone who supported, donated, messaged, or cheered us on. And thank you to Nacoa for being a beacon of light for children who need it most.
Let’s keep climbing.
