Local Manchester Group Reach Great Heights

Social Circle Support Bowel Cancer UK

Members of Social Circle, a Manchester based social network, achieved their peak this July by completing the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge in a single weekend. The team of 12 were inspired to take part, not only because they would face one of the biggest challenges of their lifetimes, but due to the fact that they would be raising awareness of bowel cancer.

The weekend, led by Stephen Sutherland of Social Circle and supported by Heaton Moor resident Mark Davies who regularly raises awareness and funds for national charity Bowel Cancer UK, saw this magnificent dozen brave the elements and pit their strength and stamina against harsh showers and tired legs as they ascended the highest peaks in the UK.

Not only did they complete the challenge but they did so in impressive time by covering the 800 miles in just over 16 hours. It took just over four hours to climb Scafell Pike and the same for Snowdon and only six hours to climb Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.

Mark has done much to raise awareness of bowel cancer since being diagnosed with the disease at the age of 31. His book, Saving My Arse, is a frank and at times humorous account of how he faced up to and overcame the challenge of the disease. £1 from each sale of the book is split between charities Bowel Cancer UK and Macmillan.

He comments, “Being a member of Social Circle has given me a fantastic opportunity to not only meet new people but to raise awareness of a disease that despite affecting more than 37,500 men and women each year, people still know very little about it. The fact is our risk of getting bowel cancer increases with age but you can still get it in your twenties or thirties – I did. The good news is that it is highly treatable if caught early and that is the message I want to get across.”

The team looked every bit the part as they posed after the event for a photograph and celebrated their victorious challenge with a well deserved bottle of bubbly. They may not be thinking of repeating the challenge any time soon but they’re certainly glad they took part this time.

Stephen Sutherland who has completed the challenge previously admits it doesn’t get any easier. “It’s all in a weekend’s work. We have a lot of activity days and walking weekends but every now and then we really like to challenge our guys. And when Mark came on board and added a charity dimension, it really made it a worthwhile event. We look forward to working with Bowel Cancer UK on future events”.

Social Circle exists to eliminate the lack of challenge and social activity, too often a symptom of the big city syndrome. It’s a great way of meeting some new people and not all of the challenges are as intense as this one. If you are interested in becoming a member visit www.social-circle.co.uk

For further information contact Stephen Sutherland on:

07845 529538 info@social-circle.co.ulk www.social-circle.co.uk

High Res Photography available for download @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/34891265@N02/ or email for electronic copy of above.

Notes to editors

About Social Circle

We run every kind of social event you can imagine. From a casual Friday night drink to a fun weekend at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or a group holiday in Barcelona. Contrary to one of the most commonly asked questions, it’s not limited to the younger generation. The average age of members is probably late 30s. People join Social Circle in order to meet new people in the Manchester area and to have a good time. Usually they arrive alone but soon realise that everyone is in the same boat and usually gel with like-minded people in no time at all.

About Bowel Cancer UK

Bowel Cancer UK aims to save lives by raising awareness of bowel cancer, campaigning for best treatment and care, and providing practical support and advice.

About Bowel Cancer

Bowel Cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, affecting both men and women. Every year more than 37,500 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer and more than 16,000 people die of the disease.

For more information about bowel cancer, please visit www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk

If you have any concerns please call the Bowel Cancer Advisory Service on 0800 8 40 35 40.

Contact Information

Stephen Sutherland

Mr

Social Circle

Contact via E-mail