A dad has completed a wish off his bucket list following the death of his mum.
Robbie Malone, from Waterloo, decided to take on the challenge of climbing the equivalent of nine mountains in the space of three days after turning 50 in December. Robbie hiked a total of 69.8 miles and 9337 metres climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon three times each.
Robbie told the ECHO: "I was 50 in December and I think I wanted to make a statement to myself that there's still life in the old dog yet. All I say is 'healthy body healthy mind.' I go to the gym two-three times a week.
"I just believe again when it comes to being older I want to be as fit as I can for as long as possible. I probably wouldn't have done one mountain at the age of 25 and at the age of 50 I've just done nine."
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All money raised via Just Giving page will be donated to Alzheimer's Research UK – a cause that's close to his heart following the death of his mum Maureen, 83, in 2020.
Robbie said: "As my mum got older she had delirium which lead to dementia so I've seen first hand how bad it is. There was a point with my mum where she didn't recognise me.
"It's heartbreaking to be honest when your own mum doesn't recognise you anymore because you lose them twice. You think if something can be done to cure it because it it is a terrible disease.
"It just rips your heart out when you see someone suffering with it."
Robbie started the challenge at 4am on Friday June 9 and finished at 9.30pm on Monday June 12, with friends and family joining him along the way. The 50-year-old said he went through a "full body of emotions" during the hike.
He wants to pay thanks to his wife Joanne, 46, who drove him between each mountain and looked after him along the way. Robbie also wants to thank his friends that joined him along the way including his son Shea and his friends, Joe and Twisty, as well as Ashy, Carl, Cheryl and Tim.
Robbie added: "I know they say team work makes the dream work – I couldn't have done it without them.
"It's nice to be able to go out and go up a mountain, people are so present. It might sound stupid but everybody says hello. It's a nice community feeling.
"The first person I spoke to on Ben Nevis was a Scouser – we go everywhere." To donate to the Just Giving page click here.
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