A couple are preparing to take on the Three Peaks in aid of us and two other charities, after their nephew was left with a serious brain injury and spent months in a coma following a horror car crash.
Cheyenne Hirst and her partner Matt will climb Ben Nevis, Mount Snowden and Scarfell Pike on 28 September this year, within 24 hours, as a thank you to the emergency service crews who helped save her nephew’s life.
Cheyenne and her partner Matt
Cohen Gareis’ was a backseat passenger when he was involved in a major car crash in June 2023, just weeks after his 17th birthday. Cheyenne says it’s a miracle he survived, as the car hit a wall before rolling several times in the devastating crash, which happened in Meltham, West Yorkshire.
Despite wearing his seatbelt, Cohen was left with a serious brain injury and spent months in a coma. He only regained full consciousness in November, and now remains in a rehabilitation centre in Leeds, where he’s undergoing rehabilitation – with constant support from his family.
Cohen was left with a serious brain injury
Cheyenne says: “Every day is a relentless battle to reclaim his life, one small victory at a time.
“This intense ordeal has fuelled us to not only honour his fight and determination, but also to recognise the unsung heroes who rushed to his aid – West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Ambulance crew and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
“Their rapid response and dedication were the lifelines that ensured my nephew’s survival and without their swift intervention, I dread to think about how different things might have been.”
Cohen was one of five people in the car
Cheyenne and Matt will split all the funds they raise through their challenge between us, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and The Ambulance Staff Charity.
“Each ascent symbolises the uphill battle Cohen now faces in trying to re-build his life and re-gain what has been lost, as well as the uphill climb the employees of these services undertake everyday to save lives,” says Cheyenne.
To support the couple’s fundraiser, click here.
