Stotfold man to climb Kilimanjaro in honour of grandad's brave battle with Parkinson's
A Stotfold man with plenty of stamina is on a mission to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in memory of his grandfather.
Callum Wilson, 19, will begin his ascent on Wednesday, November 5, as he heads 5,985 meters above sea level in aid of Parkinson's UK.
His grandfather, Roy Goodship, died aged 81 after a brave fight with the disease – and Callum was determined to complete a challenge in his honour.
He told the Chronicle: "I'd wanted to do something around the fifth anniversary of my grandad passing. Mount Kilimanjaro came to mind, and I'd just got a new job, so I could afford to do it.
"My grandad was very positive and bubbly, always putting a smile on people's faces – even when he was struggling towards the end.
"He was my best friend and hero."
Callum caught the mountaineering bug after climbing Scafell Pike with friends, and has his sights set on Kilimanjaro for its breathtaking scenery and wildlife.
The former Etonbury Academy student has also completed a marathon as part of his training – and regularly exercises when he clocks off from his duties as a deputy manager at Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre.
"The marathon was rewarding, very rewarding," said Callum. "My brother, Alexander, has been my rock throughout my training – always dragging me to the gym!"
From rocks to mountains, Callum will fly out to Tanzania on Monday (November 2), joining a team called Tour Compass for his mission.
And from altitude to altruism, he is also taking a bag of donations for families in the nearby village of Moshi.
"It's a mix of everything to be honest, the adventure is really pushing me out of my comfort zone,” said Callum.
"I will have no phone signal out there, so I will be able to comletely switch off and find myself."
Meanwhile, Mount Kilimanjaro certainly has plenty of surprises in store – including "quite a bit of scrambling".
"There's a wall called Barranco Wall, 300 metres – and it’s pretty much vertical. If it's snowy and icy we'll need ice axes – but I hope it stays dry!" explained Callum.
Over 4,000 miles away back home in Bedfordshire, Callum's friends, family and parents, David and Claire, will all be rooting for him.
Callum added: "They are all very excited – happy as well as nervous. My grandma [Roy's wife] is very proud."
Callum would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated to his fundraiser, which currently stands at £5,350.
He would also like to say a special thank you to his barber, Matt Terry, of The Cockney Rebel Barbering Co, Stotfold – who has been donating payments from Callum's haircuts to the cause.
Callum said: "The charity helps families with Parkinson's – they do a lot of giving back to the community – and are trying to find a cure. I wouldn’t wish Parkinson’s on anybody.”
Click here to donate online. Click here to find out more about Parkinson’s UK.