FARNHAM resident Will McDonald is forever grateful to the neurology team at St George’s Hospital for saving his life - and in return he is taking on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise as much as he can for the hospital.

The challenge itself involves, a 24-hour climb of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden, 26 miles on foot, a 10,000 foot plus ascent and 460 miles of driving.

Those taking part include Will, brother Stu McDonald, grandad Roger Willmott, and friends Ollie Rees, Fred Cope and Adam Daniels.

“Training is going well. I am out as much as possible walking and running, and have made trips to Wales to gain experience – getting close now and can’t wait to start, all really excited,” said Will.

Will had been unwell for around 18 months, but didn’t really know what was wrong.

Early on Will was reluctant to see a doctor, thinking he would be wasting their time over an everyday headache.

However, his symptoms rapidly got worse, suffering with a constant headache and tinnitus, which led to bouts of intense pressure build up in his head, and loss of vision culminating in nausea and vomiting.

After some time he went to the doctors, who soon decided to send him for an MRI scan.

“On September 4, I married my beautiful wife Jo in Farnham Castle – had the most amazing day, Jo looked stunning, and we were lucky enough to share our day with family and friends.

“Late afternoon I received a call from the doctors to say that they’d found a colloid cyst (benign tumour), and due to the seriousness and life-threatening situation I’d be taken to St. George’s Hospital for emergency brain surgery.”

Will, with Jo by his side, went in the ambulance and arrived at St George’s around 1am, and around six hours later he was taken for surgery.

After a week in hospital (where he also spent his 31st birthday) he was allowed home to recuperate

Will continued: “Words cannot describe my gratitude and thanks to Mr Crocker (neuro consultant), and the team at St George’s. They truly are miracle workers, I owe my life to their outstanding work and care.

“`I am also unbelievably grateful to have such an amazing and supportive family (wife Jo, parents Hilary and David, brother Stu and partner Rachel, and grandad Roger) and friends, who have been there at every step helping with my recovery.

“I love them all so much, and eternally grateful for their support.”

To support the team visit their Virgin Money fundraising page by searching for Will McDonald, or by heading to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Peaky-Climbers.