Barefoot Ben Nevis climb helps Kingskerswell fundraiser raise more than £5,000 for Rowcroft Hospice

Tristan Smith, 43, completed the challenge with a team of family and friends on 3 July, scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in just 34 hours. His barefoot ascent of Ben Nevis helped the team raise more than £5,000 for the South Devon hospice that cared for both his parents, Colin and Sadie Smith.

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) within 24 hours of walking time, with travel between the mountains included. It is regarded as one of the UK's toughest endurance fundraising events.

For Tristan, however, the challenge was about far more than completing the route.

"I wanted to do something massive in memory of my parents while raising funds for the outstanding work the hospice does," said Tristan. "I could have done it the way most would (with shoes on!) but I wanted to do something that would really stand out and help raise as much as possible.

"As a dad and a rugby coach, I wanted to show my children and the young people I coach that there are no limits to what you can achieve if you’re determined and put your heart into it. One of the last things my dad said to me was to make sure that, when I reach the end of my life, I have no regrets. That has stayed with me and kept me going throughout this challenge."

The challenge proved every bit as demanding as expected. Tristan tackled Ben Nevis completely barefoot in cold, wet and, at times, icy conditions, with snow still lying along parts of the route. The climb left his feet and legs badly swollen and covered in painful blisters.

"The pain was immense but knowing that every step was helping Rowcroft care for other people’s loved ones was a stronger feeling than any pain. The people I met on the mountain were incredible. They couldn’t believe I was climbing barefoot and cheered me on every time we crossed paths."

Despite his injuries, Tristan continued the challenge, wearing shoes to climb Yr Wyddfa in Wales before joining his team to summit Scafell Pike in Cumbria and complete the Three Peaks.

"My team kept me motivated every step of the way. I couldn’t have done it without my family and friends. Seeing my wife and son waiting for me at the finish, cheering me on, gave me the final push I needed. The support from the community throughout has been incredible."

The fundraiser was inspired by the care Rowcroft Hospice provided to both of Tristan's parents.

"My mum and dad met when they were just teenagers. They fell in love from the second they met and remained deeply devoted to each other for almost 60 years. Mum was quite simply the best mother I could have wished for, and I considered my dad not just my father, but my best mate."

Following a hospital stay with COVID-19, Tristan's father Colin was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. As his condition deteriorated, Rowcroft's community team supported him and the family at home.

"From the second the Rowcroft team met him, they loved him - his mischievous ways, his jokes, his infectious laugh. Over the next three weeks, they cared for him alongside us as if he were their own family. The nurses were so gentle, making sure he wasn't in pain, wasn't scared and was as comfortable as he could be."

When his mother Sadie's health later declined after overcoming previous serious illness, the hospice was once again there to help.

"With support of the angels from Rowcroft, we cared for my mum as best we could. Their gentle, caring presence put her at ease, and they supported us too, guiding us through every step."

Founded more than 40 years ago, Rowcroft Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for around 2,500 people across South Devon each year. Around 80 per cent of patients are cared for in their own homes by community nurses, therapists and Hospice at Home teams, while those with more complex needs are supported at the charity's 12-bed inpatient unit in Torquay.

As an independent charity, Rowcroft relies on the generosity of the local community for around 75 per cent of its funding. With an ageing population and increasing demand for palliative care services, fundraising remains essential to help the hospice continue supporting families across South Devon.

People wishing to support Tristan's fundraising challenge can donate via his JustGiving page at justgiving.com/page/tristan-smith. Those inspired to organise their own fundraising event for Rowcroft Hospice can find out more at rowcrofthospice.org.uk/challenges.