A mother-of-two is to honour her late friend by conquering a fear of heights and completing the Three Peaks challenge.
Melanie Gregory, 33, will be taking part in the challenge on Friday May 25 raising money for Cancer Research Wales.
Her friend Michelle Dunne, originally from Caerphilly, lost her battle against cervical cancer last June at 32. The former St Cenydd Comprehensive School pupil became firm friends with Melanie when they began working together at the University of Glamorgan in 2006 as finance officers.
Melanie said: “Michelle and I became good friends outside of work. She was a beautiful person, inside and out – an absolute character.
“We laughed lots, we put the world to rights and we shared a good few nights out. Michelle’s giggle will stay with me always.
“As she’d say ‘We don’t go far Mel, but we have a laugh’.”
She added: “Michelle always put everyone else before herself, even towards the end of her fight when she was seriously ill and in an incredible amount of pain, she always stayed positive no matter what life continued to throw at her.
“With Michelle’s courage and bravery in mind and with the full support of her family, I am taking on the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge in Michelle’s memory. This involves climbing Snowdon, Cader Idris and Pen-Y-Fan all within 24 hours.”
Climbing the three mountains is no small task in itself, but Melanie, from Tonyrefail, is also scared of heights.
She said: “There are so many reasons for me not to take on this challenge but there is one major reason to do it and that is Michelle and this far outweighs how seriously scared I am.
“Michelle was one in a million. I know everyone who met Michelle will remember her beautiful smile and her passion for life. I hope I can do Michelle and her family proud. Although I’m under no illusion that she would have a good old giggle at the thought of me climbing mountains.”
Melanie has already raised in excess of £1,000 for Cancer Research Wales. If you would like to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/melaniegregory
Caerphilly Council staff also undertake challenge
Youth workers from Caerphilly County Borough Council will also be challenging the Three Peaks on Friday.
They are Lee Kabza, Caroline Millington, Michelle Challenger and Clare Jones.
Cancer Research Wales is the council’s Youth Forum’s chosen charity.
