Charlie’s Star Trustees to Take On National Three Peaks Challenge for Bereaved Families

Charlie’s Star trustees prepare to take on extreme mountain challenge

Charlie’s Star, the South West-based charity supporting bereaved families, is gearing up for two big fundraising efforts this summer — including a high-adrenaline trek across the UK’s tallest mountains.

The charity was set up in memory of Charlie Burns, with the goal of ‘Creating Hope and Smiles’ for families who have lost a child under the age of 19. Charlie’s Star provides fully funded 7-day respite breaks in Cornwall for families in the South West who have experienced this kind of devastating loss.

The National Three Peaks Challenge

Next up for the charity’s adventurous trustees is the National Three Peaks Challenge — a physically demanding trek to the summits of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. The challenge involves:

• Around 18 hours of trekking

• Over 28 miles of tough, uneven terrain

• A total ascent of 3,000 metres in a single day — that’s nearly the same as climbing Kilimanjaro

Despite being described as “females of a certain age bracket where they should be thinking of growing old and slowing down,” the trustees are doing anything but. With previous exploits including 50km walks across London, skydives and zip wires, the team is now throwing themselves into training for one of the UK’s most challenging hill adventures.

They’re not just doing it for the thrill. Every donation they receive will help provide comfort to families going through unthinkable grief.

Johnny Cowling Fundraising Night

As well as the mountain trek, Charlie’s Star is putting on a night of laughter with a fundraising event at Penventon Park Hotel on 30th August 2025.

Tickets cost £15 and include a pasty. The evening will feature the always-popular Johnny Cowling, known for his quick wit, audience interaction and knack for spinning a good yarn.

The charity says it’s “guaranteed to be a great fundraising night” — with every ticket sold helping to make a difference.

How to Support

Donations to Charlie’s Star help offer a moment of peace to grieving families, giving them time together in Cornwall when they need it most. You can support their Three Peaks Challenge and find out more about their work by visiting their website.