Clara and Peter Dixon. (SWNS)
By Elizabeth Hunter
A cellist is set to complete a three-year journey to climb 214 peaks in memory of his late wife.
Peter Dixon is preparing to complete the final five summits of an extraordinary Lake District challenge inspired by his late wife, Clara, who passed away at just 56.
Peter, the principal cellist at BBC Philharmonic, began climbing each of the Wainwrights a month after Clara, a fellow musician, succumbed to esophageal cancer in March 2023.
He expects to finish the challenge on Great Gable this week - the first mountain that the couple climbed together.
At each summit, Peter has left a pebble bearing Clara's name.
Peter, from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, said: "Clara loved these mountains, and she has been at the heart of every step.
"Reaching the final five will be incredibly emotional, especially knowing that the challenge will end on Great Gable, where our mountain story began.
"This has always been about much more than reaching 214 summits."
Clara Dixon was a cellist. (SWNS)
The couple were married for 30 years, sharing a love of mountains, music, and family.
Clara is remembered by those close to her as someone who "brought sunshine" wherever she went.
In 2019, Clara began experiencing heartburn and acid reflux symptoms, becoming progressively worse until her diagnosis in 2021.
Following her death, Peter established the Clara Dixon Trust to support Heartburn Cancer UK's work to raise awareness, encourage earlier diagnosis and help people affected by persistent heartburn, Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer.
The trust has now raised more than £26,000 ($34,710) for the charity, supported by Peter's climbs, musical performances and donations from friends, family, fellow musicians and members of the public inspired by his journey.
The late Clara Dixon. (SWNS)
"It is about keeping Clara's memory alive and helping other people understand that persistent heartburn should not simply be ignored," said Peter.
"If sharing our story encourages even one person to speak to their GP, every mile will have been worthwhile."
Fiona Labrooy, chief operating officer at Heartburn Cancer UK, said: "Peter's achievement is remarkable. Behind every one of these 214 summits is his love for Clara and his determination to protect other families from experiencing a similar loss.
"By speaking so openly about Clara's symptoms and diagnosis, Peter is helping us deliver a potentially life-saving message.
"Occasional heartburn is common, but symptoms that persist, change or become worse should be checked by a GP.
"We will be thinking of Peter and Clara as he takes those final steps towards Great Gable, and we are enormously grateful for everything he has done for Heartburn Cancer UK and for helping us share the message that not all heartburn is harmless."