81-year-old climbing mountains to keep himself going after wife's illness

81-year-old climbing mountains to keep himself going after wife's illness

Nick Gardner is not your typical mountain climber – at 81 years old, he is quietly making his way through his plan to climb all 282 of Scotland's Munros – mountains taller than 3,000 feet (914.4m).

He began the challenge at the age of 80, when his wife Janet’s health deteriorated, requiring 24-hour care.

The couple had lived a quiet life, used to each other's constant companionship for 30 years. And then suddenly, it was gone.

Gardner was devastated, and decided he needed a challenge to help him cope.

Climbing enabled him to refocus, and avoid the mental health problems he felt certain would begin to plague him if left without a purpose.

The task he set himself would challenge many half his age - to climb all the Munros in 1,200 days.

In honour of Janet, he is raising money for charities helping those with Alzheimer's and osteoporosis.

Picking up social media skills with the help of his family, he records his progress on Facebook and Instagram.

The money Gardner raises will go to the Royal Osteoporosis Society and Alzheimer's Scotland, two charities that have helped his wife.

NewsRTE

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