Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge for Harrogate family in memory of 'much missed' shop owner
A Harrogate family is to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in memory of their much-missed mum who founded a well-known Harrogate shop.
Harrogate woman Kirby Small, her brother Dylan and some of their family and close friends are to honour their fantastic mum Melissa Franklin, who loved the outdoors, by taking on the challenge in May to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
Their mum passed away in May 2025 and, while her passing was not heart related, the British Heart Foundation was a cause very close to her heart,
She had completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks multiple times herself to raise money for the charity.
As the one year anniversary of losing her approaches, the family wanted to do something poignant in her honour by following in her footsteps and continuing the fundraising she cared so deeply about.
Kirby Small said: "Our mum climbed the Yorkshire Three Peaks multiple times to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and it was something she was incredibly proud of.
"As the anniversary approaches, we wanted to do something meaningful in her honour.
"Dylan and I, alongside some of our family and close friends, will be taking on the challenge.
"We hope to raise £5,500 which would be £100 for every year of mum’s life, and celebrate the generosity and determination she showed to so many people.”
The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge charity event will take place on May 23, 2026 and the good news is that the family are already nearly halfway to their fundraising target.
Kirby Small said: "This climb is our way of remembering mum, celebrating her strength and continuing a legacy of kindness and determination that meant so much to her.
"Every donation, no matter how small, will help fund vital research, education and support through the British Heart Foundation."
Melissa Franklin, who had also worked as a nurse, is remembered as the founder of Heel The Sole, the highly-respected foot health and wellness shop that previously operated at 20-22 Beulah Street.
To donate to the family’s fundraising for the British Heart Foundation, go to: gofund.me/5496e0cce.