Teenagers' trek goals for teacher lost to cancer

The children of a headteacher who died from pancreatic cancer are set to scale the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in his memory.

Tim Broad, who spent 25 years working at Western Primary School in Harrogate, died in November, just 37 days after being diagnosed with the disease.

His children, Jessica and Jack Broad, said some of their fondest memories were hiking with their father, who died aged 62.

They will take on the national three peaks challenge in summer to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK, while their friend Rafe Colman-Chadwick is completing a 15-day fundraising trek in Nepal.

"We really feel the best way to raise money for dad's cause and to support ourselves through this tough time is to climb the three peaks," Jessica said.

"I feel apprehensive because it's an enormous challenge but we're really looking forward to it."

The pair will climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, in 24 hours.

Mr Broad had been "over the moon" hearing about the challenge before he died, his children said, due to his own love of adventure and the outdoors.

When in his twenties, Mr Broad explored the world and visited Nepal during his travels.

Coincidentally, former pupil Rafe has headed to the Himalayas for a trek to Everest Base Camp in his memory.

"I unfortunately lost my dad to cancer when I was 12," Rafe said.

"When I was at Western, Tim was one of the key people who really helped me get that extra time with my dad off school."

The pupil was then able to go abroad with his dad for the first time.

"I had some of the best moments with my dad in Greece, which was because of Tim," Rafe added.

"He was a very kind man, and if you live in Harrogate you know someone that was raised by Tim."

Jessica said their fundraising target is to raise £100,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK, which aims to increase the chance of survival for patients.

"He was a very calm, caring person - you could speak to him about everything," she added.

"It's been an incredibly difficult time but the support and generosity from people has helped."

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