Wiltshire tech entrepreneur to tackle Three Peaks’ Challenge in memory of his friend lost at sea

Wiltshire-based tech boss Kyle Holmes is taking on the Three Peaks’ Challenge to raise funds for the RNLI in June, in honour of his friend Anthony (Ant) Miller who lost his life at sea.

Kyle’s aim is to conquer Ben Nevis, Scafel Pike and Mount Snowdon in just three days in early June. All funds raised will be used to support the vital work of the search and rescue charity, while also raising awareness of the dangers posed by the sea.

“As someone who loves the coast and who has felt the loss of someone passing at sea, I want to help fund the RNLI as much as I can,” said Kyle.

“Ant, unfortunately, passed away in the ocean, and I felt it only best to raise money for a charity whose work helps to raise awareness of the dangers of the sea.”

The money raised will be used to train and equip the volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards who operate around the coast, enabling them to save lives.

Around 140 people die by accident in UK and Irish waters each year. The RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea. It costs approximately £139.2 million for the RNLI to run each year, with the majority of that funding (92%) coming through public donations. These donations help to save 23 people every day in UK waters.

For Kyle, his friendship with Ant continues to have a profound effect.

“We met whilst living in Lyneham, Wiltshire, aged 16 and instantly became inseparable. We spent days on end together, creating memories that will last me a lifetime. Before meeting Ant, I was very shy, having been bullied at school. My life honestly changed when he befriended me, thanks to his kind, loving, free-spirited personality. He brought me out of my shell, and I became fearless with him. The term ‘two peas in a pod’ sums up my friendship with Ant, as I’m sure he would agree if he was still with us today.”

Anthony’s mother, Tracey Miller, has campaigned alongside the RNLI to help improve public awareness about the dangers posed by the sea. 

She said: “I am so grateful to Kyle for dedicating his fundraising to my son, Anthony Miller. He was a fun happy boy and he grew up to be a kind and caring young man.”

Joining Kyle will be his good friend, Danny Parsons, whose company David Horton Contractors is fully supportive of the challenge.

“Kyle and Danny’s challenge in memory of Ant is fantastic, and we wish them both every success in raising lots of money for the RNLI – an incredible charity; one many of us are familiar with from visits to the coast.  The amazing work of the RNLI volunteers in highlighting the dangers of the sea and saving people from the water is heroic, and all of us here at David Horton Contractors are proudly backing the chaps in their fundraising effort to honour Ant. Good luck to Danny and Kyle!” a spokesperson for the company said.

Kyle added: “After spending years processing my grief, I am now choosing to direct my feelings into activities. Walking has helped me through a lot of my troubles, hence why I’ve decided to do a charity walk to help fundraise for the RNLI.”

While Kyle and Danny are hoping to raise £1,000 for the RNLI by completing the challenge, the pair intend for this to be just the start of their fundraising journey.

Jason Luff, RNLI community manager said: ‘I am continuously moved and inspired by the motivations behind many of our fundraisers’ challenges and I can only imagine the strength Kyle will get from remembering his friend Ant, and the times they shared together as he completes his gruelling walk across the three peaks. 

“The money he and Danny raise will go directly to help with the training and equipment our volunteer lifeboat crews need to help ensure they have the skills and kit needed to save lives around the coast. 

“It was the volunteers at Newquay RNLI who responded to the call to help Ant when he got in trouble, they launched their inshore lifeboats into darkness and were able to locate Ant and ensure he reached the hospital. Tragically, Ant didn’t make it but by helping to fund our charity we hope Kyle and Ant’s family can honour his memory.’ 

To find out more about Kyle and Danny’s fundraising efforts and to make a donation, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kyle3peaksin3days