AFTER conquering Everest, terminally-ill campaigner, Nick Jones, has announced his next big challenges; to climb Kilimanjaro in just seven days and to sail around the world in a clipper race!
In October last year, Nick Jones, who has malignant hypertension, led a team of climbers to Everest base camp in aid of his foundation, The Nick Jones Foundation for Bereaved Children.
Nick’s health was a worry before the challenge and following doctors’ prognosis, he accepted that it may be the last thing he accomplishes.
On his return to the UK, Nick suffered an emotional low, as he had completed the challenge. But now, he has announced his next big challenge; climbing Kilimanjaro in just seven days on the 16th March. The mountain stands at 5,895m, which is taller than Everest base camp.
“As soon as I landed back in Heathrow I knew what I was doing,” Nick said during his announcement video on Facebook. “Everest gripped me and created something that will never leave me or my children. I’m still here and more determined than before Everest, that I’m not just going to lie down.
“I am determined to push myself with this, to show kids and everybody that there is nothing that you can’t do if you put your mind to it.”
With the help of Skyhook, a company that arranges mountain treks, Nick plans to climb the famous mountain in just seven days.
Nick continued, “I need something in my mind to motivate me and keep me where I need to be, it’s hard. I’d love Everest again, but i am dictated by visas and you can only climb the ice wall and certain times, the experience gripped me and I want to go back, it’s certainly not off the cards.
“Kilimanjaro is still such a huge challenge.”
During his announcement video, Nick also dropped the news that he is to take part in a clipper round-the-world race later in the year.
The race is a record-breaking 40,000 nautical mile race around the world on a 70-foot ocean-racing yacht.
“I want to top the year off, if I’m still here, in the same crazy way I have started this journey.
“My aim is to inspire people and make a big mark to leave something behind, the foundation will always be there for people who need it.
“I just want to say a big thank you to the climb team, sponsors who hopefully will keep supporting me and Skyhook for helping me to arrange Kilimanjaro.”
To support Nick and his foundation, visit https://www.gofundme.com/NickJonesFoundation.
