90-year-old Kelso Yuill from Bishop Auckland has successfully scaled the mast of the Cutty Sark to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-servicemen and women.
Kelso, who has been a supporter of the charity for many years, took on the challenge on 28 September, saying afterwards: “It was a spectacular experience.
“It is amazing to think that I did this at the age of 90 years and six months, the oldest person ever to climb the rigging. I’ve never done anything like this before and did not feel fearful. It was just a case of one foot after the other. The highlight was reaching the yard arm and walking out to the most spectacular view over London.”
Kelso has been fascinated by the history of ships since he was a young boy.
He says: “One of my favourite books growing up was Wonderful Story of the Sea, which told the history of ships and shipping from dugout canoes to early 20th century liners. I’ve spent much time visiting various ships around the world and when I retired, I fulfilled a promise to my grandchildren and built a pirate ship in the garden.
“I’m currently engrossed in the story of Franklin’s expedition which was dispatched by the admiralty in May 1845 to find and navigate the northwest passage. Two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, sailed to Canada and were never seen again. When planning a trip to the Maritime Museum at Greenwich to gather more information about HMS Terror, I discovered the opportunity to climb the mast of the Cutty Sark, a challenge I could not refuse.”
Kelso began supporting Blind Veterans UK when his son was serving in the army. He served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kenya and Iraq. Kelso himself completed National Service with the RAF.
He said: “Watching the annual Remembrance Day parade at the Cenotaph, I get quite emotional when the blind veterans march past with heads held high, I’m full of admiration for them. I am also full of admiration for the people who help these ex-Service men and women to rebuild their lives after sight-loss.”
Kelso has already raised £1,342 for Blind Veterans UK.
If you would like to support his fundraising, you can visit his Just Giving page at justgiving.com/page/anne-yuill.
If you would like to take on your own challenge for Blind Veterans UK visit the charity’s website: blindveterans.org.uk/fundraise.
The charity supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then get in touch. You can call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/gethelp.