A Darlington grandad has gone to great heights to launch a book about his active approach to fighting Parkinson’s. PETER BARRON joined him up Roseberry Topping
AS someone who has made a national impact as a Parkinson’s Disease campaigner, intrepid grandad Keith Wilson is a man who likes to aim high.
So, when it came to launching a fundraising book about his epic mountain-climbing adventures, he decided against the usual promotional event inside a ground-level, high street shop.
Instead, Keith, from Middleton St George, chose the jagged peak of Roseberry Topping, at a height of 1,049 feet, to sign copies of 9 Lives Lucky.
“I can’t believe how many people have turned out,” he declared, as supporters – holding on tight to their £20 notes – formed an orderly, but windswept, queue behind the white, concrete trigonometry pillar used as a makeshift table for the book-signing.
Around 80 people joined Keith for the climb, aimed at raising funds to be shared between Parkinson’s UK and mountain rescue teams at Keswick and Penrith.
And, when Keith reached the top on a warm but blustery day, the cheers could be heard all the way down to the car park at the bottom, where his wife, Jill, had set up a refreshment post for those taking part.
Compared to some of his exploits, Roseberry Topping – affectionately known as “Yorkshire’s Matterhorn” – may not be an arduous climb for an experienced climber like Keith.
Nevertheless, it remains quite a feat for a 75-year-old – six-and-a-half years into a debilitating battle with Parkinson’s – to stage a fundraising book-launch at such a height.
“It’s very moving to know there’s so much support. I feel very honoured, and I can’t thank everyone enough,” added the retired Director of Higher Education at Darlington College.
Keith has been recognised nationally for his pioneering work in tackling Parkinson’s Disease through a rigorous programme of mountain climbs, long-distance runs, and gruelling cycle rides.
As he explains at the beginning of 9 Lives Lucky, Parkinson’s reduces levels of dopamine in the brain, leading to tremors, and difficulties with walking, speech and balance.
“I discovered that attempting to generate dopamine (or its chemical neighbour, adrenaline) through vigorous exercise and adventure meant that the progress of the illness could be slowed,” he writes.
Keith also helped others with Parkinson’s by raising money to buy virtual reality headsets, so they could exercise and enjoy exhilarating experiences without even leaving home.
His book is called 9 Lives Lucky because the original intention was to feature nine chapters in which he’d had near-misses during his climbing adventures – before and after his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
However, after the title was chosen, a tenth chapter was added when Keith survived another near-death experience last January, plunging 60 metres down an icy mountainside at Great End, in the Lake District, and being rescued by Keswick and Penrith mountain rescue volunteers.
One of the volunteers who took part in the rescue, Dale Longson, from Penrith Mountain Rescue, was among those who travelled to Roseberry Topping for the book launch.
“Often, we never hear any more about the people we rescue, so it’s great to re-connect with Keith through the book launch,” said Dale.
“I wanted to be here to show my support because what Keith is doing in raising awareness of Parkinson’s is amazing. His story is incredible.
“We rely entirely on donations, so we’re grateful for his support through the sales of 9 Lives Lucky.”
Neil Bowmer was another who turned up for the book launch, having read about Keith’s exploits, but not knowing for sure if it was the same Keith Wilson who had shown him the ropes as a novice climber more than 40 years ago.
Back in 1983, Neil had joined Swaledale Outdoor Club as a 17-year-old wanting to learn ice climbing, and Keith had taken him under his wing. Indeed, the first climb they did together was Great End.
“It was a great experience, and it inspired me to carry on climbing for my whole life,” said Neil, from Catterick.
“You lose contact with people, but I’d been reading about this man, called Keith Wilson, who was doing so much to support people with Parkinson’s. I came here especially to buy a book and show my support for the charities – and I’m cock-a-hoop to find that it’s the same Keith Wilson!”
Keith was also joined on the Roseberry Topping climb by his twin godsons, Ben and Miles Hatton, who lost their mum, Joanne, shortly after they were born nearly 18 years ago.
The dedication reads: “Your mum would have been proud of you.”
“I hope the collection of stories inspires the boys, and others, to enjoy adventures and live life to the full, no matter what obstacles get in the way,” said Keith.
So far, with wind in his sales, Keith has flogged more than 200 copies, with 50 per cent of the proceeds being split between Parkinson’s UK and the Keswick and Penrith Mountain Rescue Teams, and the rest going towards production costs.
His next big adventure hasn’t been finalised yet – but, whatever mission he chooses, Keith Wilson is sure to be aiming high.
- 9 Lives Lucky costs £20. To buy a copy, please contact Keith Wilson at: wilson.keith5@icloud.com
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