Veteran climbs Three Peaks in memory of his wife

Ex-marine Jonathan James is raising money for two charities by climbing the three highest mountains in the UK

A former Royal Marine who lost his wife to cancer has embarked on a mammoth challenge to raise money for charity.

Jonathan James is climbing the three highest peaks in the UK - and running the distance in between - saying he "had to do something to give back" to two charities which have provided support.

The 50-year-old, from Leeds, is raising money for St Gemma's Hospice, which helped his family during his wife Laura's illness, and Combat Stress, which supports veterans with their mental health.

The former captain began his challenge on 16 August, scaling Ben Nevis in Scotland, and is now on his way to Scafell Pike in the Lake District, followed by Snowdon in Wales.

The father-of-two has raised £15,000 so far in his challenge, which will see him complete the equivalent of 17 marathons in 17 days.

"For St Gemma's to work, it costs £30,000 a day," Mr James told the BBC.

"The place is incredible and they do so much good."

Mrs James was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017.

Following treatment, she entered remission around 18 months later.

However in 2022, the cancer returned and Mrs James was told it was incurable. She died in December 2024.

"It had gone as far down as her knees and as far up as her head", Mr James said, describing his wife as a "warrior".

"The fight all the way through it; she could have easily given up at first [because of] all the things she went through."

Jonathan James described his wife Laura as a "warrior" following her cancer diagnosis

Through St Gemma's Hospice, the James family were provided with therapies during their cancer journey.

"[They were] amazing in every way; made her pain-free through massages or some kind of therapy; they offered therapy for my children."

Determined to do something in return, Mr James planned his challenge.

"If you can help one person, the next person can help the next person; all of a sudden, everybody is being helped," he said.

Training has consisted of 20-mile (32km) walks, as well as strength and conditioning exercises.

He credits the Royal Marines for his mindset to get through.

"In the Marines they talk about having the mindset to carry on in adversity; we remain cheerful under adversity and that will get me through."

Mr James began his commando training in 1991 straight from school.

His career led to tours in Cyprus, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan.

"They are like my backbone", Mr James said of his support in the military.

"I could not ask for a more supportive bunch, particularly for what has happened, I could not ask for better people."

Mr James met his wife while he was stationed in Plymouth with the Royal Marines

Mr James said Combat Stress "are doing an amazing job for veterans and their families".

"It is not just about PTSD, they do many things."

Mr James said he had known soldiers take their own lives following a career in the military.

"Nobody should be taking their own life; I have lost friends.

"[Combat Stress] is just a really good charity for veterans."

It is expected Mr James will complete his challenge on 1 September.

While the challenge is a solo mission, he said he had received support along the way in the form of coffee, food and surprise visits from friends.

He said the thought of his wife would also keep him going along the journey.

"I think she would be proud. Crazy but proud."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.