THOUSANDS of pounds has been raised by a group of friends in Chesham to support a charity close to their hearts.

The 13 team members met up at The Golden Eagle in Ashley Green to present South Bucks Hospice a cheque of £20,000 having completed the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge. 

The challenge was in aid of their friend Helen Williams who was diagnosed with incurable stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2021 at 48-year's-old.

The team completed the challenge in some harsh weather conditions.

Helen’s husband Mark Dixon said: “We are just a normal group of lads from all walks of life, but we are part of a strong community that supports one another.

"This challenge is us standing together to do what we can to help those impacted by cancer.

"It’s the hardest challenge I have ever undertaken, the support has been amazing and there have already been discussions about a new challenge for next year.”

The cheque was presented to hospice CEO Jackie Ward, who said: “This is the biggest donation we have received from a single group. 

"The team has supported us in so many ways this year and we are very grateful, they are an inspiring community.”

The team also donated some of the funds raised to Cancer Research UK.

Helen explained how the hospice has helped her during her battle with cancer.

She said: “I am thankful to be part of such a brilliant community of people and delighted we have been able to support the work of South Bucks Hospice.”                                          

"There are not enough words to describe to you how utterly devastating this disease is not only for me but for my loved ones too.

"Cancer, as well as a physical challenge is also extremely challenging mentally.

"I was first sign posted to South Bucks Hospice through the Cancer unit in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, I attended a course there and I was asked if I would benefit from some counselling, I accepted the help and since then they have looked after myself and my daughter providing counselling to help to come to terms with this new path in life we have been given.

"I am currently having Acupuncture and Massage to help ease the side effects from chemotherapy, I am also joining another course to help me make an advanced care plan and help with will making.

"The services they provide are invaluable and I am so grateful to have access to a place like this. All the staff are amazing, and they make you feel special and cared for.”