The Big Black Mountains Challenge is the year’s main fundraiser for the Abergavenny-based Longtown Mountain Rescue team.

Among hundreds of competitors this time around will be outdoor education instructor Martin Jackson who is taking on the challenge to raise funds for Melanoma UK, in memory of his friend Lee Cave (pictured) who died of the disease at the new year.

“Lee was only 40 years old, with two young children and a loving wife,” said Martin. “He was the head of an outdoor education centre near the Brecon Beacons and spent his life inspiring young people in the great outdoors.

“He was so passionate about outdoor adventures and the benefits they can offer people, he truly was an inspiration.”

Martin has himself worked for the past 15 years as an outdoor education instructor in the national park.

“Lee helped to teach and train me up and continued to support me throughout my whole career,” he said.

The challenge facing Martin and fellow competitors is a 30-mile run/walk over the spectacular Black Mountains, from the valley floor to the summits at 810 metres several times.

“I have so far raised around £800 towards my target of £1,000 which is going to Melanoma UK (melanomauk.org.uk/). The funds will help to support patients diagnosed with melanoma and their families as well as to provide melanoma nurses and to fund important research,” said Martin, who has a justgiving page at justgiving.com/Martin-Jackson17