A SOLIHULL grandad is the oldest among more than 50 intrepid fundraisers set to conquer Ben Nevis en masse this month in aid of a Warwickshire children’s charity.
Fifty-six-year-old John Fairley is preparing to tackle the gruelling 4,400ft climb on April 22, along with fundraisers from across the UK.
The challenge, in aid of Molly Ollys, was organised by Alex Myers, from Stratford, who will lead the large group eight-and-a-half miles up Britain’s highest peak.
It marks a return to Britain’s highest peak for John, a retired JLR engineer of 27 years, who will be armed with the essentials for his climb – a first aid kit, handheld GPS and plenty sugar and protein snacks, including jelly babies.
Having previously completed the Three Peaks, he knows what’s in store but says the biggest challenge this time around will be the size of the group involved.
The grandad of two said: “Walking up a mountain is not easy but as long as you put one foot in front of the other you get there! I haven’t been involved in a group of this size before. It will be a challenge keeping everyone together.
“Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and Scotland and is notorious for its liquid sunshine shall we say? It will depend on the elements. You need to be prepared for all eventualities as it can be bright sunshine at the start and then the weather can change as you’re going up and then at the top it could be a total wipe out with snow.”
Warwick-based Molly Ollys was established following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer and marked its tenth anniversary last year.
The charity supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. It helps with emotional support and donates wishes, therapeutic toys and books to children directly and through hospitals across the UK.
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/thebetterman to sponsor John.
