Nicola and Kevin McCormack to take on Three Peaks Challenge in Joshua’s memory for Derian House

Nicola and Kevin McCormack

Nicola and Kevin McCormack are set to take on the Three Peaks Challenge in Yorkshire to raise funds for Derian House in memory of their son Joshua McCormack on 6 May.

Five-year-old Joshua, who was cared for by Derian House, lost his battle with a brain tumour in January this year.

The challenge also comes in honour of Gracie Greenwood, who is also battling a similar brain tumour and is currently receiving respite care at Derian House.

The McCormacks will be hiking the 24-mile route with a few friends over the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough the day before what would be Joshua’s sixth birthday.

Mum Nicola says she has been dreading waking up to silence on Joshua’s birthday as ‘it should be a day filled with laughter and excitement’.

Nicola said: “As we are now on the approach to what would be Joshua's sixth birthday, it has become impossible to focus on anything else but that day itself. I should be planning my boy’s birthday party, but instead I am deciding on which headstone to choose for his grave.

“As we need to try and focus on other things and try and do something positive, me, Kev and a few friends have decided hike the three Yorkshire Peaks.

“We are raising money for Derian House in memory of Joshua and also in honour of fellow Rochdalian, little Gracie Greenwood who is currently receiving respite care there, due to a paediatric brain tumour.”

She added: “I can't begin to imagine what we would have done without Derian House in the last few weeks of Joshua's life, and I am sure Gracie's mum, Lauren, and Gracie's family will feel the same.

“To make a small positive out of any parent’s living nightmare, we are hiking the peaks on Joshua's birthday weekend just so we are less likely to crumble.

“If you wish to make a donation in support of this challenge, please do so on the Derian House JustGiving page. Please mention the donation is to honour both Gracie Greenwood and Joshua McCormack.”

To donate, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/derianhouse