A Deeside pensioner has climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest by ascending his local hill 45 times in order to raise cash for those left in financial turmoil due to the lockdown.
Gordon Riddler, 75, decided to start going up and down Craigendarroch, which overlooks his home of Ballater, on March 4 to support a local good cause.
And this week, after summiting the hill as often as he could during his one exercise a day permitted during lockdown, he finally reached the 29,029ft mark – the height of the world’s highest mountain.
Mr Riddler, who was a technical advice to the mining industry, chose to raise cash for the Ballater Hardship Fund, an initiative established to provide anonymous assistance to those struggling to put food on the table due to loss of income brought about by the impact of Covid-19.
So far he has raised more than £1,100 for his chosen cause.
He said: “Because we are blessed in Ballater with wonderful hills all around us, I decided that I would go up and down Craigendarroch every day.
“I was halfway through my goal of doing the equivalent of Everest when I heard about Captain Tom and all he had been doing for good causes.
“I thought I should do the same and raise a few bob for something local, and I chose the Ballater Hardship Fund.
“I now plan to do a second Everest, but I will continue walking as much as I can as long as the money is coming in.
“The issue for people that are coming off furlough is that there’s a very real risk of being made redundant, and that’s where the hardship fund will come into its own.
“Having grown up in a farming community, I know what it’s like to not have a lot of money, so I wanted to do what I can.”
The Ballater Hardship Fund now has more than £30,000 ready for those that need it.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com and search for “Gordon Riddler”.
