A dedicated fundraiser has completed his ’12 Medals for Mum’ challenge to raise money for the Walsall hospice that cared for his loved one.

Andrew Straughan took part in the gruelling trials to raise money for  Goscote Hospice, where his mother Christine Straughan died in November 2024.

The 47-year-old has raised more than £2,300 by completing the following 12 challenges this year:

1) Night of Neon – 5km night walk in Manchester

2) Swimathon – 1.5km swim in Harrogate

3) Leeds Half Marathon

4) Lands End to John O’Groats Virtual Challenge – 1,744km tracked of any exercise

5) Great Manchester Run – Half Marathon

6) Inflatable 10km – obstacle course

7) Total Warrior Leeds – 12km obstacle course

8) Ride the Dales – 75km bike ride in the Yorkshire Dales

9) Tough Mudder Leeds – 15km obstacle course

10) Sprint Triathlon in York

11) Yabba Dabba Do – Half Marathon

12) Manchester Half Marathon

Andrew said: “Overall, I found it to be a really positive experience and it was great to keep my mum at the front of my mind over the course of the year.

“In terms of a physical challenge, I would probably say the sprint triathlon was the hardest because it included swimming, cycling and running.

“Mentally, the hardest challenges were the ones I did on my own, as friends joined me on a lot of them, so probably Tough Mudder in Leeds.”

Christine spent time at Walsall Manor Hospital before being moved to Walsall Pallative Care Centre five days before her death after being diagnosed with Epithelial Stromal Sarcoma – a type of rare cancer – which had unfortunately spread and was terminal.

Andrew said: “My mum gave a huge amount of her time to others through the local community and her work, including being a Nurse herself.

“I felt it was really important to do something that meant I had to give my time and effort to help the Walsall Palliative Care Centre to continue to do what they do.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager for Walsall’s Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity that supported his efforts, said: “Wow! Well done Andrew for completing an incredible year of fundraising.

“You have done an amazing job. It was great to see the pictures. That Well Wishers T-shirt has certainly travelled around the country.”

People can still donate and read all about Andrew’s 12 Medals for Mum challenge via his Just Giving page – https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-straughan-12medalsformum