A challenge for Cecilia
Mark Smith’s partner, Cecilia Keefe, a social worker, died of an aggressive brain tumour in May 2023, weeks after receiving the diagnosis. Cecilia, mum to the couple’s children, Amelia and Arthur, who were 18 and 14 at the time of her death, was just 52.
Mark, one of our Involvement Network volunteers at The Charity, said: “At the end of February 2023, Cecilia was walking up mountains in the Highlands of Scotland. At the end of March, she felt a tingling sensation in her hand. By the end of April, she had lost mobility on her left hand side and she had been formally diagnosed with an incurable, life threatening brain tumour. By mid May, she suffered a brain haemorrhage that ultimately took her life.”
Losing the love of my life and the kids’ mum to a brain tumour changed our lives. Taking part in physical fundraising challenges is one way in which we can make a difference to the lives of those impacted by a brain tumour.”
Mark
Cecilia’s Peaky Blinders
Now, friends and family are joining Mark to form a 17-strong team to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge – climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales.
The team, who begin with Ben Nevis on May 22, are calling themselves “Cecilia’s Peaky Blinders” and will be wearing team t-shirts and peaked caps.
Mark said: “The Three Peaks was my daughter Amelia’s idea. For the last two years, a group of us has gone away to remember Cecilia. This year, we’re taking on a challenge together.
The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). The total ascent is a mighty 3064 metres (10,052ft) with a total walking distance of 37km (23 miles). And Mark is in no doubt about the scale of the challenge.
“We are a diverse group and we have to be mindful that there are different fitness levels and that individuals will be going at a different pace. We all know that this will be a tough challenge, there are bound to be moments where we find it physically and mentally challenging.
“What will keep us going is the fact that we are taking on the challenge in memory of Cecilia, someone we all loved and who we miss dearly. She would love that we are doing this, and will be looking down on us, gutted that she can’t be a part of it.“
Since Cecilia died, Mark, from Horsham, has thrown himself into raising funds and awareness of brain tumours in her memory. In 2024 he took on a sponsored walk alongside friend Simon – walking 140 miles from Leicester, where he met Cecilia at University, to Bolton, Cecilia’s home town, raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity. In 2025, he ran the London Marathon for The Charity, cheered on by friends and family.
One thing I’m secretly dreading is the good old British weather and whatever that may throw at us. I really hope that it stays dry and sunny. We want to be able to enjoy the views from the top of Ben Nevis.
Mark
“I am most looking forward to the banter, the camaraderie and creating wonderful new memories. Every step we take, Cecilia will be our side, urging us on.”
Fundraising is going brilliantly, with friends and family helping towards the team’s £2,000 target: Mark Smith is fundraising for The Brain Tumour Charity
Mark said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has donated. This cause means a huge amount to us. We had absolutely no time to process or come to terms with what happened to Cecilia. We don’t want anyone else to go through what we have been through. We want to do everything in our power to bring about an end to brain cancer, to help bring some meaning to Cecilia’s cruel and untimely death.”
Take on a fundraising challenge
If you’re inspired by Mark and team, and want to take on a fundraising challenge of your own, there are so many ways to get involved. Click the button below to find out more!