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Friday 12.06.2015 thedistrictpost.co.uk
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Boy tackles mountain for charity Phil dennett
News Editor
A boy of 10 tackled Britain’s highest mountain to thank charity workers who helped him combat a potentially fatal illness. Determined Ed Gordon-Thomson headed for the peak of Ben Nevis with dad Andrew and mum Gen in the Grampian Mountains of Scotland to raise money for research into why some patients with a blood disease suffer relapses. Ed, from Warnham, was two years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Because of his treatment and illness he missed a lot of early schooling but has worked hard to catch up. Last year decided he would climb the mountain this summer to help awareness of his condition and help the Children with Cancer UK charity. By the time he reached the snowcapped slopes a team of 65 people including charity patron Linda Robson and “Walking with Dinosaurs” star Nigel Marven had joined the trail to raise at least £44, 161. Ed defiantly fought off fatigue at one stage during the climb but would not ease up. His proud dad said: “It
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was a real reflection of his character... “He came to us when he was about two thirds of the way up and said to me ‘Dad, I am really tired’. “But in a testament to his determination not to let anything hold him back in life he said ‘I’m not saying I’m going to stop, I’m just saying I’m tired.’ He coped with it incredibly well.” Ed now has some unfinished business with the mountain, because freakishly severe weather sent everyone off the mountain when the party was only a tantalising 150 metres, about 40 minutes climb, from the 4,409 ft summit. Deep snow, ice and poor visibility made the paths ahead too treacherous for inexperienced climbers. Ed told the Post: “I found it very hard climbing the mountain. My legs hurt but I really wanted to get to the top. Hopefully I will get another chance soon. I would like to thank all of the people that joined us and everyone who has donated to the charity. I just can't believe how much we have raised." Mr Gordon-Thomson said: “It was disappointing for Ed. But he told us on the day that we need to go back and finish. I think it’s personal business for him. He did fantastically well, but he wants to get to the top.” continued on page 2
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