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Wednesday 11 May 2022

A teenager from Worcester is set to scale mountains in an SAS-style challenge to raise funds for local hospital charity fund. Louis Hudson, from Spetchley, will be tackling the 24km route in the Brecon Beacons which is based on UK special forces selection.

Louis, 14, will be one of the youngest people to ever tackle the Fan Dance challenge. Louis who is an army cadet will be climbing Pen y Fan, the beacons’ tallest mountain alongside his dad Mark, raising money for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals charity, children of Worcestershire cancer fund, as well as charities Talking 2 minds and Scotty’s’ Little Soldiers.

In order to take part in the famous challenge, Louis had to get special approval from the event organisers, considering his dad is completing it with him.

During the Covid-19 lockdowns Louis and Mark took part in online set SAS challenges, to keep fit. Mark, who is also an instructor at the army cadets then suggested they set themselves greater challenge by tackling the Fan Dance, and also raise some money for charity in the process.

On the June challenge Louis added: “As far as I am aware I am the youngest person to attempt this, as I will be 14 on the day of the event.

“I am looking forward to taking on the challenge with my dad, whilst also raising some money for some really important charities, that make a big difference in our local community.”

On the SAS-style challenge, Lucy Brown, Charity Engagement officer for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals charity added: “We are delighted to work together with Louis and Mark, helping them raise money for what is a mammoth challenge, and can’t thank them enough for their support.

“The children of Worcestershire cancer fund allows us to fund special events, projects and experiences that go above and beyond the core NHS provision and make such a positive impact on patient experience. all funds raised will support the patients, staff and services of our hospitals.”

So far Louis has already exceeded his original target of £1,000.  The keen footballer has also organised a charity event to be held at Pershore Football club, which will see a number of fundraising activities, including an auction of sporting memorabilia, such as signed photo from Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp and signed boxing glove from Katie Taylor.

The charity race night will take place on Friday 20 May, at Pershore Town Football Club, with doors opening at 18:30. If you would like more information please contact Pershore Football Club.

On the current support Mark added: “We are so thrilled with the support we have received and delighted to see we have exceeded our target. The more money we can raise for these charities the better.

“Seeing the total continue to increase, makes it easier when we are tired whilst training for the event on June 18^th.”

If you would like to support Louis please visit  https://www.gofundme.com/f/louiss-sas-fan-dance-challenge?member=13421175&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer