Christmas Day on Snowdon

Fifty-eight-year-old Jesse Brookes will scale the 1,085-metre Mount Snowdon when most people are slumped on the sofa after over-indulging at lunch.

The carpet weaver, of Sutton Park Road, Kidderminster, decided to contribute to the hospice's move to the Cedars Hotel in Mason Road after he was reminded of a good friend, Peter Harvey, who died of Hodgkinson's Disease 20 years ago.

Mr Harvey's daughter, Debbie Mason, tragically died in a car accident in Hereford as the Shuttle/Times & News reported last month.

Another close pal and a cousin, have also succumbed to cancer.

He said: "What I can do is to attempt to raise some money which may contribute to ease the suffering of others in similar circumstances."

Mr Brookes said a friend, Peter Simmons, who visits the hospice three times a week as a patient, was "over the moon" about the care he received.

On a trip up Snowdon earlier this year Mr Brookes thought he could repeat the feat for charity - and in the winter when the slopes are quieter.

"In the summer, there are so many people up there it's like a cattle market.

"On Christmas day I might get some peace and solitude," he said.

"I'm depriving myself of all my family luxuries but I thought I'd do this for a change.

"There are so many people who are worse off than me."

Mr Brookes, a keen walker, conceded he was not in the "first flush of youth" but added: "I have experience and I will not die if I can possibly avoid it!"

He said the move to Mason Road would be a "great leap forward" for the hospice, currently based in cramped Sutton Park Road premises.

"I think everybody in Wyre Forest ought to give something to it."

Mr Brookes, who said he is very "well known in his hometown", will tap friends and businesses for support for his unusual escapade.

"It's also raising awareness. I'll go on local radio just to make people more aware."

To support Mr Brookes contact him on 01562 753812.