A PENSIONER is to climb the highest mountain in Wales in memory of his late wife.

George Wood will celebrate his 73rd birthday on August 11 by trekking up Mount Snowden to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Mr Wood, from Birtley will be joined by friends Paul Magnay and Andy McClurg on the challenge in memory of Mr Wood’s wife Doreen, who died two years ago.

As a soldier, Mr Wood climbed the peak on his 19th birthday and his wife said she also wanted to make the trip, but never got the chance.

Mr Wood said: “She never managed to get up to the top and I have lived with the guilt, so I’m going up in memory of her.

“I’ve done it before so I know what to expect, but it was a long time ago.”

Mr Wood has already raised more than £800 for the air ambulance, a charity supported by his wife.