87-year-old veteran set to become the oldest climber of Ben Nevis on Armed Forces Day weekend

Battling through sight issues and a daring physical feat, an 87-year-old member of an ex-veterans’ group is preparing to climb the highest mountain in the UK in June.

John Banfield a resident at ExtraCare’s Shenley Wood Retirement Village in Milton Keynes, will make the attempt on 27th June, to raise money for Blind Veterans UK.

John completed National Service in the Army with the Royal Engineers as a sapper between 1958 and 1960 and then enlisted part-time with the National Service to serve on call for another three years. John deals with sight issues himself and is undertaking the challenge to support fellow veterans living with vision loss.

The climb up Ben Nevis is being supported by a fellow resident and former RAF Mountain Rescue serviceman, who has arranged for two ex-service colleagues to accompany and assist John on the route.

It is believed John could be the oldest confirmed person to complete the Ben Nevis climb in Scotland.

It was eight years ago that John first realised he was losing his sight. He says:

“I had been out playing table tennis and was driving home at 10.30pm and thought the street lights had been dimmed to save money. I then noticed that I couldn’t see the television properly.”

John discovered he had age related macular degeneration in both eyes and glaucoma in his right eye. He was registered vision impaired in 2019. He adds:

“I have accepted that sight loss is something that can happen when you age; I never thought I’d reach the age I have. I had a bad start in life so I’m lucky to be here.

I miss driving, getting lost in TV shows and watching sport but I’ve learnt to adapt and I get on and do things like walking which keeps me fit but I do find it difficult to see path edges and differences in height such as kerbs.”

John can no longer see people’s faces, but he recognises them by their movement and their voice. He has previously climbed Snowdon and Ben Nevis 10 years ago and decided to try Ben Nevis again on Armed Forces Day to raise funds and awareness for the Blind Veterans Charity.

He comments: “Blind Veterans UK sadly had to close one of their centres to ensure funding for the long-term provision of support for veterans like me. They have been so good to me providing a special phone and watch to assist with my sight. I would like to break a record and be registered as the oldest climber recorded. It would be wonderful to reach the top of Ben Nevis; I’d be proving that age and sight loss are not a barrier to any challenge you set your mind on.”

Keith Smith, former RAF Mountain Rescue Association Serviceman and fellow resident contacted the Chairman of the RAF Mountain Rescue Association for help for John. An advert went out and within 24hrs he received a response from a RAF Mountain Rescue Association member, a mountain leader and paramedic, and two members who agreed to walk Ben Nevis with John to ensure he had support on the trip.

Granddaughter Lily who regularly walks with her grandad and was an inspiration for his climb adds: “I look up to my grandad and wish to be just like him when I’m his age. Climbing Ben Nevis at 87 isn’t something that many could achieve but I have every faith that he will succeed.”

Village Manager, Mark Penton said: “It’s a fantastic challenge John has taken on, the staff and residents at Shenley are all right behind him willing him to the top! We have a really supportive group of veterans at Shenley and we are so very proud of each of them. We wish John the best of luck and we look forward to celebrating his record-breaking achievement with him.”

Residents and staff at Shenley Wood village will be supporting the fundraiser with on-site posters and collection boxes for donations.

If you would like to support John and help raise needed funds please visit www.justgiving.com/page/johnbanfield