Dudley charity climbers compete ninth ascent of Ben Nevis
A group of intrepid climbers have completed their latest fundraising climb of the UK's highest mountain.
The Bert Bissell Memorial Society completed its ninth annual ascent up Ben Nevis in Scotland on August 19, a charity climb in honour of a peace campaigner and freeman of Dudley who climbed the mountain 107 times.
Former Mayor of Dudley and society chair Steve Waltho led a group of 13 up the mountain near Fort William to honour the memory of Bert, who died in 1998 at the age of 96, and to raise funds for charity.
Following the climb, the party gathered at Bert's graveside for a minute's silence where society vice-chair Councillor Shaz Saleem laid a wreath in his memory.
Mr Waltho spoke about the work put in by people who had taken part in this climb and every climb since the first in 2014.
He said: "This year was the ninth annual climb and some 20 individuals gathered in Fort William, of which 13 climbed the Ben, and, to date, 75 individuals have made 129 ascents.
"Many have surpassed their own individual capability expectations and all have their own stories to tell and reasons for climbing Britain's highest peak, and believe me it's a hard climb.
"Again, it was very cold and wet on the summit.
"This year over £1,000 was raised for charity as members took on the challenge for three separate causes.
"Overall, I'd estimate that over £20K has been raised over the nine years".
The party was also allowed access via good friend and church warden Mabel Wallace to Duncansburgh Parish Church in Fort William, which has windows from Dudley's Vicar Street Methodist Church installed as a lasting tribute to the great man.
The society has said it is planning something big for the 10th climb in 2023 and has encouraged anyone who is interested in taking part to contact Steve Waltho by e-mail at stevewaltho@hotmail.co.uk or on 07703 308463.
