Harrogate woman honours late grandfather James Whale with Three Peaks Challenge for Kidney Cancer UK

A Harrogate woman has completed one of the UK’s toughest walking challenges alongside her brother and closest friends to raise money for Kidney Cancer UK in memory of her late grandfather, broadcaster and Kidney Cancer UK founder James Whale MBE. 

Last month, Ella Whale, 21, successfully completed the gruelling Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, tackling a demanding 24-mile route across Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough to honour her grandfather while raising awareness of kidney cancer. 

A spokesperson for Kidney Cancer UK said: "The fundraiser has a particularly personal connection to the charity. James Whale was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000 and his own experience with the disease led him to become one of the founding figures behind Kidney Cancer UK.

"He dedicated years to raising awareness of kidney cancer, supporting patients and families, and helping to establish the charity as a leading voice for those affected by the disease. He later served as the organisation’s Lifetime President." 

Kidney cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the UK, with around 14,500 people diagnosed every year.

Despite these figures, public awareness of the disease remains relatively low, highlighting the importance of education, early diagnosis and support services for patients and their families. 

The challenge tested the group physically and mentally, but Ella says the motivation to honour her grandfather’s legacy kept them going when the route became difficult. 

“It was definitely a challenging day, but doing it with my brother and my best friends made it so much easier,” said Ella.

“There were definitely points where I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to finish, but knowing what we were doing it for and doing it in honour of Grandad kept me going.

“I know if Grandad was still here, he would be so proud of us. Being able to raise money for Kidney Cancer UK, spread awareness and do something in his memory was the whole reason we took on the challenge, and I’m so glad we did it together.”

For Ella and her family, the challenge was not only an opportunity to remember James Whale, but also to celebrate the lasting impact he made through his work with Kidney Cancer UK and the support he provided to patients across the country.

"To date, Ella and her team have raised an incredible £1,500 to help the charity’s vital services.

Ella said: “Our grandad was our biggest supporter and always encouraged us to give our very best in everything we did.

"By taking on this challenge, we hope we made him proud while supporting the incredible charity that was one of his greatest achievements.”