‘I finished chemotherapy, then completed the Abergavenny 3 Peaks just days later’: John’s Story
Just seven weeks after being diagnosed with low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma and starting chemotherapy, photographer John completed the Abergavenny Three Peaks Challenge for Cancer Research Wales
My name is John Dasent. I was recently diagnosed with low grade non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I was informed I would require six cycles of chemotherapy. After my first session, I decided that I wanted to do something to support a cancer charity.
After a little research, I discovered Cancer Research Wales. My mind was made up - this was the charity I was going to raise money for.
When I started advertising my fundraising on my social media accounts, people told me that I was crazy and that I should wait until my treatment was finished.
I wasn't having any of it.
I may have underestimated myself
I had decided to do the Abergavenny 3 Peaks challenge: climb the Skirrid mountain, the Sugar Loaf and the Blorenge all in the same day.
I set myself a target of £500, which in reality, I didn't think I would get anywhere near. As it turns out, I may have underestimated myself! I have ended up raising close to £1,200. The support has been absolutely incredible.
On Wednesday the 30 September 2026, I set out and completed my challenge.
First came the Skirrid mountain, standing at 486 meters. I set off at about 10am, and finished around 12pm, just in time for a nice drink and some lunch in The Skirrid Inn.
A slightly easier climb
Next came the Sugar Loaf, standing at 596 meters. A slightly easier climb, but this one took a little longer, as the path is a little longer!
Once I completed the Sugar Loaf, I popped down to Abergavenny for a late lunch. Then came the Blorenge, which stands at 561 metres, the final hurdle.
I resumed at about 4.30pm in the afternoon and completed the challenge – and all three peaks - at about 7.30pm. All in, the challenge took me about nine hours to complete, including a quick drink and a lunch break.
The support, and donations I have received, have been nothing short of incredible. I have doubled my original target, and the donations are still coming in.
An amazing charity
Cancer Research Wales is an amazing charity, and I fully encourage anyone thinking of doing any form of fundraising to support them.
Again, I cannot thank everyone enough for the support they have given me, financially and mentally. I never thought I would be able to do it, but I did and am now looking ahead to more fundraising challenges.
Together, we can unite Wales against cancer.