Across Sierra Nevada for charity (From Witney Gazette)

Across Sierra Nevada for charity

9:00am Wednesday 24th January 2007 in Witney By Rosalind Miles

A PENSIONER has been signed up to trek across the Sierra Nevada mountains - as a surprise from his friends!

Walking at high altitude for six to nine hours a day for almost a week may not be everyone's idea of a good time, but for Jim King it is a dream come true.

Mr King, 68, of Poffley End, is embarking on the challenge to raise funds for Oxfordshire Mind.

His friend Nicky Clargo has raised £1,000 to allow Jim to take part in the trip, but a further £200 is still needed.

Witney Lions Club, where Jim has volunteered for years, was among a number of organisations that made donations to make his trek possible.

Ms Clargo said: "I knew this was something Jim had always wanted to do, but he works so hard for other charities he hadn't ever got round to organising it.

"He is passionate about keeping fit, and in his younger days, he enjoyed climbing mountains. In fact, he can still cycle 20 miles, walks at least four miles a day, and enjoys a trip to the Scottish Highlands once a year. Not bad for a 68-year-old!"

Mr King, a former teacher at West Oxfordshire Technical College, said: "I was shocked, a little bit embarrassed, but incredibly touched by the support of people who pledged donations, especially those who don't know me, and absolutely thrilled to be taking part in the challenge.

"It will be an amazing experience, and Mind is such a good charity. I'm really looking forward to going!"

Oxfordshire Mind provides services for those who suffer from anxiety, bereavement, depression, life crisis, loneliness, recovery from breakdowns, stress, and schizophrenia. The charity must raise £50,000 each year to keep going.

Ms Clargo said: "I'd just like to say a huge thank you to the companies, organisations, and individuals who made donations.

"You have supported a great charity, while making a good, kind-hearted, charitable 68-year-old man very, very happy."

Infineum Smile (Abingdon), Airdri (Eynsham), Witney Lions Club, Thame Lions Club, and Wantage and Grove Lions Club have all backed the trek.

If anyone would like to make further donations to Mind, please make cheques payable to Oxfordshire Mind Jim King Sierra Trek Appeal, and send to 125 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6AH, or make on-line donations at www.justgiving.com/santastrek.

Further information about the trek can be obtained by e-mailing nicky.clargo@oxfordshire-mind.org.uk, or visiting www.oxfordshire-mind.org.uk.