Daron climbs mountains

Daron climbs mountains

Daron Hodges says he is feeling so much better since arriving at St Michael’s the week before last.

Not only is he feeling well enough to get up and about, Daron is taking on a walking challenge devised by our therapy staff.

The aim is for patients to team up and walk the Three Peaks Challenge – the combined height of Britain’s three highest peaks – all from the comfort of our Inpatient Ward.

But Daron, 48, hopes to do all 3,407 metres by himself – with a little help from his 12-week-old pug puppy Hilda.

‘The care I’ve received here at St Michael’s has been absolutely first rate and has given me a lot of confidence,’ said Daron.

‘Before I came here, it felt like the end for me. Now, I feel a lot better.’

Daron has a special connection with the Three Peaks Challenge having been support driver to a group of friends completing the challenge almost a decade ago, raising funds for St Michael’s.

He also has good reason to look forward to the coming weeks. 

‘I’m a huge fan of the James Bond films. It would be awesome if I was to see the new Bond film in November. 

‘It was originally thought that I would not make April, so it was only a slim to no chance I would see the film on its planned release date earlier this year. 

‘Now it’s been put back to November. I really hope I’m here to see it – and then to spend Christmas with my family, too. That would just be wonderful.’