Tower of strength for mum

Allan Brent will be trekking up the Sky Tower 16 times today with his mother, Anna, to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Trust. Picture / Richard Robinson

Allan Brent is thrilled to be taking part in a huge challenge - climbing the Sky Tower 16 times - alongside his mother, Anna, who has battled hard since being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.

The challenge - dubbed Step Up For a Cure - is raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Trust.

Allan and Anna will be joined by her husband David, a group of Allan's friends, and celebrities Monty Betham, Shane Cortese, Jaquie Brown and Geeling Ng.

In total, 15 people will climb. By yesterday afternoon, they had collectively raised $11,846 for the cause.

Allan Brent, 24, said he was inspired to do it after making a promise to his mother that they would climb Mt Aspiring together one day - something they have both done separately.

But that looked unlikely when Mrs Brent received her breast-cancer news in April 2010.

Scaling the Sky Tower 16 times is the equivalent of the height of Mt Aspiring, which stands at 3033m high.

"We wanted to do something positive, instead of moping around about the situation," Mr Brent said. "This is sort of a promise that was made a long time ago and it's time I kept it."

Mr Brent said the family had gone through some struggles since his mother's diagnosis and there had been a lot of tears. But her love for adventure helped them to view the situation in a positive light.

Mrs Brent said: "I'm optimistic that the expertise, love and loyalty of my wide-ranging support team has collectively conquered my breast cancer, which is surely the best summit to have conquered."

The group will begin the climb at 7am, with 30 seconds between each person. It is expected to take between three to four hours to complete.

ON THE WEB

www.breastcancercure.org.nz.