Professor Chris Denning, who is studying new ways of treating sudden death syndrome, is taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge to help raise money for the charity that funds his research.

Professor Denning will tackle a 25-mile route across Yorkshire’s three highest peaks — Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, on 21 June for Heart Research UK. He was awarded a two-year grant of £147,000 by the charity to study the use of stem cells from a patient’s skin that can prompt the heart to beat normally when used with a range of new heart drugs. The condition is believed to affect one in 1,000 people across the UK, and in extreme cases can cause sudden death.

“The reasons for doing the Three Peaks challenge are simple, Heart Research UK does great work into tackling heart disease,” said Professor Denning. “In my own lab, the charity’s funding is helping us to try and find new ways to treat a condition known as sudden cardiac death, which is a major cause of fatality in otherwise fit and healthy young people under 30.”

Professor Denning said everyone knew someone close to them — a friend, family member, colleague or partner — who has suffered from heart disease: “For me, my grandad died of a heart attack when he was 39, my uncle when he was 41 and my dad when he was 64,” he added. “This story is repeated all across the country, so any support for my Three Peaks Challenge will make a difference.”

Heart Research UK’s national director, Barbara Harpham, said that the research being carried out by the University team could bring about real improvements to a condition that affects too many people. “It’s great that Chris has decided to do the Three Peaks Challenge, and any money raised will help people to continue doing the kind of important work that he and his team are involved with,” she said.

To support Professor Chris Denning, visit his page: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Chris-Denning-Nottingham