Gordon Riddler completed his second ascent now totaling the equivalent of just over two Mt Everests (17,874 m) on 31 July 2020 in support of Ballater folks affected by COVID-19. This site will remain live for a little while longer so there is still time to donate.

This sponsored climbing is to raise funds for the Ballater Hardship Fund (BHF), a joint project set up by a number of local groups and administered by the Scottish charitable incorporated development organisation, Ballater (RD) Limited, with monies distributed through contact with people known, trusted and respected in the community.

The objective is to support those made redundant due to COVID-19 from a minimum hours job or simply having financial worries adding to the depressing situation they now find themselves. Beneficiaries will reside in the AB35 postcode area between Dinnet and Crathie. The project will run until either all monies are used up or if take-up stops. Then after a period of 3 months, any remaining monies will go into established Community Funds.

Gordon said: “Those avid readers of the Ballater Eagle may have picked up that I met the Trail Magazine “Everest Anywhere” challenge in 2019, climbing more than the necessary 29, 029 feet (8848 meters) in support of Rachel Leader for her epic sail across the Southern Ocean on the Clipper Round the World Race”

Having started the challenge again in 2020 it made sense to use my “one exercise per day” to raise funds for the BHF. I have a 600-foot hill 1 mile and a 1 hour round trip ± 10% from my house in Ballater. I completed my first ascent of Everest (just over) on 6 May 2020 having climbed 29,091 feet (8867 meters) since 4 March, really getting to know Craigendarroch. I put in 1p for every Everest foot to start the fundraising for my first ascent.

With lockdown easing I then had a wider choice of hills to climb. I have now completed the second ascent equivalent to the height of Everest (total for the two ascents 17,874m - picture above). This site will remain open for a little while longer so there is still time to donate so keep the donations coming in.

I did not expect to emulate Captain Tom (I am 25 years younger) but he is certainly an inspiration to us all and in my case to support distressed members of the Ballater community. Ballater has had its challenges with floods and fires and COVID-19 is yet another but with no definite end date. Now is the time to donate as furlough ends. Every little helps and thank you for your donation”