For most people, climbing mountains isn't a new hobby they'd think to take up when they become older. While it's wonderful for those who are active and love nature, it's often a bit scary — and not the easiest on your legs and feet.
But it can be incredible for your mind. And that's why 81-year-old Nick Gardner made a plan to take on the Munro Challenge.
In Scotland, a munro is a mountain that has a height over 3,000 feet. In Scotland, there are 282 of them. Nick is hoping to climb every single one.
His sweet reason for participating in the challenge isn't necessarily to make headlines — it's because he needed something new in his life after his wife became too ill for him to take care of.
For Nick, that realization was a lot to bear. "I was devastated that I was unable to look after Janet at home," he told outdoor clothing and gear company Jack Wolfskin. "I tried my best in the circumstances at that time, but on reflection and further understanding of the illness, I believe that the Dementia caused such a change in her behavior that I didn’t know how to respond. The illness progressed quickly, and it was decided that hospitalization was necessary."
In hiking up these mountains, Nick is hoping to bring more awareness to both dementia and osteoporosis, in honor of his wife.
Surely, Nick probably wishes that Janet was by his side during these adventures. "Janet has been the most wonderful and caring wife, mother, and grandmother possible, and I am eternally grateful that I fell in love with her," he said.
But now, surely, she'd be proud knowing that Nick isn't afraid to show the world what he's made of. Watch the video to learn more about his mission and hear him speak about why it's so important.
