A REDDITCH woman who lost two loved ones within 12 months is to climb Yorkshire’s highest peaks in aid of the British Heart Foundation.
Shanna Jenkins is doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in July to boost the charity’s life saving research into heart and circulatory diseases.
The 36-year-old was inspired to take part in the event in memory of her mum and her partner’s father, who both died after having a cardiac arrest.
Shanna’s mum Carol had a heart attack at her home in Worcester, in May 2019.
The mum of three and grandmother of one was taken to intensive care but was unable to regain consciousness.
She was taken to St Richard’s Hospice, where she sadly died just two days later. Carol was aged 67.
“Knowing that she was going to die was just the hardest thing to have to deal with,” said Shanna, who lives with partner Steve Harris.
“I had a lot of love and respect for mum.
“It’s devastating that she’s no longer with us.”
Carol’s death came less than a year after Steve’s father, Harry, died aged 60, in similar circumstances.
“Losing two people so close to me in such a short space of time and so suddenly was hard to take,” said Shanna.
“I developed anxiety pretty much straight after losing mum. I was convinced the same was going to happen to me and I ended up needing therapy.”
Now, she’s gearing up for her next charity event – the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday, July 17, hiking 24 miles with 5,000ft of climbing, with her sister Laura.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge, and to know I’m raising money for the BHF’s research will help my healing process,” said Shanna.
To sponsor Shanna, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shanna-jenkins2
Spaces are still available to take part in the second day of the BHF’s Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Sunday, July 18. To find out more, visit bhf.org.uk/y3p-team-challenge
