MAKE A DONATION TO THE TOM SMITH SCREENING FUND

In early October a team of amateur trekkers, co-led by Gregor Townsend and Zoe Smith, took on our challenge to summit “4 peaks in 4 days for 40tude” on the Ginza Ridge in the Northern Japanese Alps.  First they climbed up the Kassen Ridge, one of the toughest and steepest ascents in all of Japan.

They undertook this challenge on in memory of Gregor’s former team-mate and Zoe’s husband, the Scotland rugby international and British & Irish Lion, Tom Smith, who tragically died two years ago, aged 50, after three years battling with colon cancer. 

Tom Smith worked tirelessly during his illness with 40tude who raise money for St. Mark’s, the National Bowel Hospital and world leaders in colon cancer research, diagnosis and treatment.

Rates of colon cancer are increasing, alarmingly, particularly in young people. Since the early 1990s the incidence of colon cancer in the UK for 25-49 year olds has increased by 52%. (Source: Cancer Research UK)

We are aiming to raise £100,000 to establish the “Tom Smith Screening Fund” to pay for colon cancer screening in younger people, as well as raising awareness of the vital role of screening and imperative of acting on any symptoms.

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so easily here

MAKE A DONATION TO THE TOM SMITH SCREENING FUND

Thank you for your support.

Updates:

Day 1 - Mon 30th September:  Our team have made a great start to our Tom Smith Ginza Challenge in Japan.  On their very first day of trekking they have achieved a daunting climb of the Kassen Ridge, ascending 1,300m over 6.5km and reached the summit of Mount Tsubakaro at 2,763m.

Well done to everyone in the team, we are very proud of you!

Day 2 - Tues 1 October:

We don’t call them ‘challenges’ lightly! Our Tom Smith Ginza Ridge challenge team have been bravely tackling technical sections and scrambling a great deal on their longest day in the Japanese Alps. They also made it to the highest point, summitting Mount Otensho at 2,922m.

Well done everyone! 

Day 3 -  Weds 2 October:

Still smiling on Day 3!  Today our team made the steep and rocky climb to the top of Mt. Jonen (2857m) on a day of very demanding ascents and descents over some challenging terrain. Keep going team!

Day 4 -  Thurs 3 October:

4 peaks in 4 days for 40tude!  Congratulations to our brilliant team for successfully completing today this arduous challenge.

This trek was gruelling throughout, and our team showed fortitude in tackling many technical sections using chains and ladders, hours of scrambling over boulders and enduring relentless climbs and descents.  They also coped valiantly with the very early starts, limited sleep, basic facilities and carrying all their own gear.

Well done to everyone in the team, we are very proud of all that you have achieved.  Enjoy the onsen experience and the delights of Tokyo that now await you!