Three Peaks for Sam

Aim

Those closest to Sam are taking on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for a memorial bench & to donate to cancer charity.

Earlier this year, we tragically lost someone who was a son, husband, brother, grandson, and an incredible friend to so many. One of life’s genuinely good people. Sam May — known to most as Smay — he was kind-hearted, gentle, and courageous beyond words. From the day he was diagnosed with an inoperable pontine glioma, a tumour on the brain stem, he fought with remarkable bravery and strength.

Creating the S.A.M Foundation was one of Sam’s goals before cancer took over, something he achieved, raising over £30k to be shared between the Addenbrookes Charitable Trust Neurosurgery Department and Ipswich Cancer Ward. 

Smay also wanted to complete the Three Peaks Challenge - to climb the highest Peak in Scotland, England and Wales, all within 24 hours, to raise money for his chosen charities, but this was beyond him as his health deteriorated.

In honour of Sam, his brother and close friends are coming together to tackle this challenge as we approach what should have been a time to celebrate Sam’s 29th birthday in July. 

Alongside celebrating Smay’s life and bravery, we are hoping to raise enough money to build a memorial bench and shelter in Sam’s name. The bench will be placed at his beloved Thorpeness Golf Club — a place that was like a second home to him and holds special memories for so many who knew and loved him.

All remaining funds will go directly to the S.A.M Foundation, which was founded by Sam and his family last August to raise money for cancer research and care. As previously mentioned, the foundation has already raised an incredible amount of money to support patients and families receiving care on the cancer ward at Ipswich Hospital — a place that cared for Sam with extraordinary compassion during his hardest moments.

Every donation will help continue the legacy Sam has already created. His memorial bench will be a place where family and friends can go to find comfort; a place for golfers and walkers to rest; and a lasting reminder that life is fragile. Above all, it will stand as a tribute to Sam’s courage, and a reminder to never take a single day for granted.

“No-one is guaranteed tomorrow” as he often said.

Here's to Smay, the one and only!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 31st July 2026 at 12:00am