Daughter scatters dad's ashes at three peaks and fundraises for charity

A daughter who scattered her father's ashes at the UK's three highest peaks said the challenge brought a "wave of emotions".

Stephanie Coxon, 39, from Bristol, scaled Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike in memory of her father Howard Haywood.

She said: "I never forgot the reason I am doing it and as much as I enjoyed the challenge, I wish it were for another reason."

Mr Haywood died of lung cancer in 2022.

Ms Coxon was joined by five of her work colleagues to raise more than £1,000 for the Matthew Walkin's Make a Smile Foundation, which was set up in memory of Ms Coxon's schoolfriend and also helped Mr Haywood prior to his death.

"Each mountain has brought a wave of emotions," Ms Coxon, a hospital manager, said.

The donation will be used to support those accessing care at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.

Ms Coxon, whose father was treated at the centre, described Velindre as an "incredible service" that supports patients through their most difficult days.

"They provided outstanding care to my dad and knowing the pain of families going through cancer journeys, I am grateful we can support them in some way," Ms Coxon said.She said the charity provided her father with treatment that allowed him to live with stage four lung cancer for longer than they expected.

Ms Coxon, who works at Cygnet Hospital Brunel in Henbury, Bristol, said the challenge was completed over the course of four months.

She added it had taken a lot of "endurance, courage, dedication, perseverance and tenacity".

The national three peaks challenge covers a walking distance of 23 miles and a total ascent of 3,064 metres (10,052ft).

"I hope my dad is proud of me for taking on this challenge and giving him some amazing views for his final resting places."

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