Stephen takes on African challenge
A charity worker is aiming to become the UK's first deafblind person to conquer one of the world's tallest mountains.
Stephen Joyce, a training manager at Deafblind Scotland in Lenzie, is planning to climb to the the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, in Africa.
At almost 6000 metres, the Kilimanjaro summit is one of the highest in the world.
Stephen flew out to Africa last week to take on the challenge.
The 34-year-old was born profoundly deaf and is now losing his sight as result of a genetic condition known as Usher Syndrome.
Stephen is being guided by friends Jim Harley, owner of Harleys Rider Training in Glasgow, and sign language interpreter Jim Lee.
The 5,895 metre climb is expected to take six days, and Stephen, who has also ran in three marathons since 2003, is due to return home on Sunday.
The sponsored climb will raise vital funds for Deafblind Scotland. More than 10,000 in donations has already been pledged.
Stephen said: "My marathon running has had a real impact on raising the awareness of the work of the charity.
"But I just felt I needed a new challenge to help even more. I thrive on pushing myself as much as I can, which is why I've decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
"I'd like to thank all the individuals and businesses who have supported me so far - 10,000 is an incredible total.
"But I'd also urge others to offer their support and help this worthy cause."
Margaret Law, of Deafblind Scotland, told the Herald that Stephen has the support of everyone he works with.
She said: "We are all very proud of him and are desperate to know how he is getting on.
"He's been training hard in the last few weeks and we have given him as much support was we can."
Stephen received a boost before flying out to tackle Africa's highest summit when the firm GO Outdoors supplied him with weather-proof walking wear, worth hundreds of pounds.
GO Outdoors store manager Andy Lanaghan said: "Stephen's challenge stood out a mile for me. His story is truly inspirational.
"We hope that in some small way our support will help him to achieve an incredible first for the UK."
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Sunday 05 February 2012
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