Munro Challenge
1801. Nick Gardner
Nick Gardner, aged 81, from The Highlands, is completing a challenge to climb all 282 Munros in Scotland in 1,200 days to raise money and awareness of Alzheimer's, following his wife Janet's diagnosis with the condition.
Janet was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2002 but, despite a deterioration in health, continued to remain active in the garden until her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia in 2018, after which she began requiring 24-hour care. Nick, who is a passionate climber, first embarked on the challenge as a means of helping him cope with the devastating news, before realising that he could use it to benefit other sufferers and carers across the UK through a fundraising appeal. After turning 80 in April 2020, Nick started his challenge once pandemic restrictions allowed, and has so far climbed 185 Munros and raised over £35,000 for ‘Alzheimer Scotland’ and the ‘Royal Osteoporosis Society’.
Nick’s award coincides with Giving Tuesday, the annual globally-celebrated day of giving.
In a personal letter to Nick, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I was inspired to learn of the remarkable ‘Munro Challenge’ climbing all 282 Munros in Scotland in 1,200 days. This is an astounding human effort for anyone at any age and I have no doubt that you are going to do it!
“It is absolutely fitting that on ‘Giving Tuesday’ we recognise the fundraising you have been doing for ‘Alzheimer Scotland’ and the ‘Royal Osteoporosis Society’. This is a brilliant way of helping people, like your wife, who are living with dementia.”
Nick said:
“Thank you so much for recognising me as a ‘Point of Light’ winner. I feel humbled that what I enjoy doing is regarded as being so special as to warrant this award.”
