In memory of Sam: Taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks

In September 2025, Jody and a team of loved ones took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge - a 24-mile hike over Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, all completed in under 12 hours.

They did it in memory of Jody’s brother, Sam.

When friends and family spoke of Sam, people often mentioned the same two things: his strength, and how much he cared for the people around him.

Sam was the most intelligent, funny, caring, kind, loving and strongest person I’ve ever known.

Jody, Sam’s sister

Beneath that strength, Sam faced challenges with alcohol. It affected him every day, and everyone who loved him. Jody says it took time to decide how to honour Sam, and to find the right words to explain what he went through:

We didn’t know how to help someone we loved so dearly, and we had to watch this take over Sam completely. There seems to be a shame or a stigma that makes it something people are afraid to admit to. Sam loved his life, his job, his friends and family; he simply couldn’t fight the battle anymore, a battle that took every ounce of strength he had left. The fight is not just against the substance, but against the stigma and misunderstanding that surrounds it.

They chose WithYou because it felt right. 

The funds raised through Jody’s challenge help us provide vital services - from 1-2-1 sessions and support groups to practical guidance for families - for thousands of people across England and Scotland. Each donation helps someone feel understood, supported, and never judged, giving families hope and guidance when they need it most.

Sam always wanted to help others around him, more than he could help himself. So it only felt right to raise money for the WithYou.

The challenge was tough, both physically and mentally. But for the team, it was a way to honour Sam’s life and raise awareness of the support available for people facing challenges with drugs or alcohol, as well as their families and loved ones.

It was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but every step was for him, and the pain of the challenge is nothing compared to the pain Sam endured. Knowing that you help people like Sam feel understood, supported and never judged, is something that means the world to me and my family.

Through it all, Sam’s spirit and courage continue to shine through the stories his family and friends tell. The challenge was a way to celebrate him - to show others that support is possible, and that no one should face challenges with drugs or alcohol alone.

I am immensely proud of Sam, how much of a wonderful person he was, and his strength and courage right 'til the very end. I can only hope that this challenge can help raise some money and awareness to help others like Sam and loved ones of those who suffer from mental health issues or addictions. I would like to encourage anyone who loved Sam to support the fundraising or even take on a challenge this year in support of WithYou.

Every step, every mile, was for Sam. Jody's wish came true - with the team raising a fantastic £2,838 total. And thanks to Jody and the team, his memory continues to help others, too.

Thank you, Jody - from all of us here at WithYou.