Mridan » Travelogue Entry » Tumour survivor Ken focuses on Everest attempt

Tumour survivor Ken focuses on Everest attempt

IN recent years, he has found simple tasks such as going to a newsagent impossible. On a bad day, he barely even had the confidence to leave the house.

But now - fully recovered from the brain tumour that almost killed him - photographer Ken Paterson plans to take on the most unforgiving terrain the world has to offer.

The 50-year-old, who was a skilled mountaineer before his illness was diagnosed in 2002, hopes to climb Mount Everest next year.

Mr Paterson, who has travelled the world displaying his images of famous Scots, said: “I want to do it sooner rather than later because of my age and I’ve already spoken to some charities who seem keen.

“I’m confident that, with my experience, I can do it. Technically it is not a difficult climb, the toughest part is fitness and dealing with the altitude.

“Your body is right at the limit and if anything goes wrong you’ve had it, but I know I can get fit enough to do it. Now I’ll just have to get the fundraising going.”

Although the 50,000 estimated cost of climbing the mountain could be a stumbling block, the Kirkliston man hopes his numerous photography outings, international projects and contact with cancer charities will help raise the cash. He said photography would play a major part in his Everest expedition.

“Before my tumour, I was using photography as a means of travel and went all around the world, to the Alps and everywhere, taking on some of the trickiest ice climbs there are. When I first had the operation I couldn’t do anything for myself. I couldn’t walk or talk and my short-term memory went in 30-second loops.

“Confidence was a real problem too. When I was recovering I couldn’t stop thinking about the freedom I’d have to walk down Princes Street. But the reality was different. I went home and I couldn’t muster the courage to go out the door. When you’re in complete care you lose simple strengths.

“Once I managed to leave the house and go down the street in Kirkliston, but when I got there the prospect of going in shops and talking to people just seemed impossible, so I turned around and went home. It’s like I’ve come full circle now, and I’ll really feel that when I’m on Everest.”

The former Stevenson College lecturer is now in a full programme of training both at the Ratho climbing centre and on Scottish mountains.

He said: “You can’t really train for the altitude, which is the hardest part of Everest. Otherwise it’s not a hard climb. I’m absolutely determined to do this, and while it’s still in the early stages, I know it is a realistic dream.” WALKERS WANTED FOR HIMALAYAN CHALLENGE

KEEN walkers are being urged to hike to Everest base camp and raise money for charity.

Quarriers, which provides support for children and adults, wants to build a team of around 15 for the challenge in autumn 2008. The 18-day trek starts in Kathmandu and climbs into the Himalayas, reaching heights of 5357m and covering a distance of 120km.

On the return, volunteers will spend a day at Quarriers’ Saathi project in Nepal, which supports street children.

For details e-mail events@quarriers.org.uk.