Man takes on challenge after dad's cancer diagnosis

A man whose father was diagnosed with a brain tumour is preparing to take on a large fundraising challenge with his brother-in-law.

Ben Smart, from Bristol, and Jonathan Golder will climb three of the UK's highest mountains to raise money for charity Brain Tumour Support.

Mr Smart's father, Geoff Smart, 72, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain tumour, in November last year.

The men will climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in 24 hours.

The pair had originally planned to climb Ben Nevis for fitness, but when Ben Smart's father became ill their plans changed and it became a much larger challenge.

"On 5 November we found dad shaking uncontrollably. He had a big seizure in the ambulance and that's when we found it was a tumour," Ben Smart told BBC Radio Bristol.

He added: "In the weeks before his bad turn, dad was out painting the outside of the house. We were told it was the worst type of tumour."

His father has undergone a successful operation to remove a large amount of the tumour, and has gone through radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Jonathan Golder said Mr Smart has been taking preparations seriously.

"Ben has thrown himself into this and has really stood out. When we go training it's obvious he is another step ahead of us," he said.

The men will leave to take on the challenge on 8 June.