Emmerdale’s James Moore Climbs for a Cure: A Tribute to His Father

James Moore, known for his role in the popular soap opera *Emmerdale*, is set to undertake a significant indoor climbing challenge in Gloucestershire. The actor aims to scale the equivalent height of Ben Nevis, raising funds for Myeloma UK in memory of his father, Stephen Moore, who passed away from myeloma last June after a four-year battle with the disease.

On October 25, 2023, Moore will join friends and family at 270 Climbing located in Bentham, near the junction of the A46 and A417. The event will challenge participants to climb a total height of 1,345 metres, representing the height of the UK’s tallest mountain.

Recalling the impact of his father’s illness, Moore shared, “My dad was an amazing father to three sons, a loving husband, and a doting grandfather. He was an incredibly calming presence.” The actor emphasized his father’s selflessness even while battling cancer, underlining the emotional toll the diagnosis took on their family.

Stephen Moore was diagnosed with myeloma in the summer of 2021 at the age of 65. He initially presented symptoms of fatigue and back pain, which many might attribute to general ageing. Unfortunately, many patients face similar challenges in receiving timely diagnoses. According to Myeloma UK, about half of individuals diagnosed with this type of blood cancer wait over five months for accurate diagnosis, often exacerbating their condition.

“Myeloma is currently affecting over 33,000 people in the UK,” James noted. Symptoms such as back pain, fatigue, and recurring infections can be mistaken for less serious ailments. James expressed his desire to raise awareness about the disease, stating, “I want to raise money for research and for resources to help other families that are going through it.”

Inspired by his father’s legacy, Moore took to bouldering as a way to cope with his grief. He explained that traditional fundraising events like marathons were not suitable due to his own challenges with cerebral palsy. “I’ve really gotten into it,” he said about bouldering. “It’s something I’m able to do, and it’s mentally engaging.”

The climb will feature approximately seven or eight participants, with supporters encouraged to attend and cheer on the climbers. Moore hopes the event will inspire others and generate vital funds for myeloma research.

Reflecting on his father’s would-be 70th birthday, James shared a poignant moment: “On August 16th, it would have been his 70th birthday. I made a donation to Myeloma UK in his honour, but it got me thinking that there must be more I can do.”

As the day of the climbing challenge approaches, the Emmerdale star looks forward to not only scaling the indoor wall but also to fostering a community around this important cause. “What I would really love to see is a cure,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of raising both funds and awareness for myeloma research.

The climbing challenge at 270 Climbing is not just a personal journey for James Moore; it serves as a rallying call for others to join in the fight against myeloma.