“Nursing is such a rewarding career and I love making a difference to people’s lives, but it’s also a tough job a lot of the time and colleagues fall into hardship. I believe in supporting them so they can carry on doing what they love and making a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Joan trained as a nurse in Spain and moved to the UK to further his nursing career. He’s worked in many nursing roles and currently works for NHS England Choices College, a specialist college providing educational support and internship courses for young adults with learning disabilities, difficulties and autism.

As well as supporting young adults, Joan is keen to help colleagues too. During 2024, him and partner Lucy took on their 3-2-1 Challenge, with Joan raising money to support Cavell’s work.

They completed the 24-hour National 3 Peaks challenge, two marathons in Chicago and New York and one Ultra marathon in their hometown of Chesterfield.

“It was bonkers!” says Joan “but we feel very proud of what we achieved this year. We pushed ourselves to the limit and nearly abandoned the challenge a few times. But our determination won and we completed all the events in the challenge.”

There were highs and lows along the way for each event.

“Memorable highs were watching the sun rise whilst at the top of Snowdon” remembers Joan “entering Central Park in New York with crowds cheering us on to the finish, and getting to the finish line of the toughest ultra-marathon. The chip butty at the end was incredible too!

“There were also difficult bits too” he explains “Sunstroke and striking a tree branch for me, and for Lucy both walking boots falling apart on the 3 Peaks challenge. But thanks to gaffer tape and my excellent bandaging techniques – you never know when your nursing skills will be needed – we managed to hold her boots together until the end!

“Also Lucy complained of pain in her foot before the New York marathon but managed to complete it. We not only found out later that she’d fractured her foot, but she’d also ran faster than me!”

Joan has raised £1,990 for Cavell to support his fellow nursing and midwifery colleagues going through tough times. He kept his large social media audience updated throughout the year on their progress.

“People have reacted incredibly positively and encouraged us a lot on social media,” explains Joan “This means a lot to us especially during the few moments that we didn’t know if we were going to complete the challenges.”

He also understands how difficult fundraising can be right now and has some advice.

“Times are tough at the moment,” says Joan “Forget about fundraising targets, just keep going and enjoy what you are doing. Be proud of any amount of money you have raised, it all makes a difference to people’s lives.”

Joan is now resting but also putting the final touches to their 2025 fundraising challenge, “Expect something big and exciting!” he says.

Anyone wishing to donate to Joan’s 3-2-1 Challenge fundraising page can do so here https://www.justgiving.com/team/wercrackers