Climbing team in test for autism
AN autistic man and his support worker will soon reach new peaks in their friendship when they tackle a major challenge in the Alps.
Climbing coach Mark McGowan, formerly of Llanberis, and Bangor-based Jamie Owen join forces with British Paraclimbing champion Georgia Pilkington and adventure cameraman Willis Morris this month when they attempt to reach the peak of the Matterhorn in aid of an inspiring charity.
The four will take on the Alpine Autism - Matterhorn 2016 project to raise awareness and finance for the Autism At Height initiative.
Autism At Height is a community organisation set up by Mark, and inspired by his work and friendship with autistic Jamie.
They both succeeded in climbing the Eiger for the GB Eiger Paraclimb in July 2015 and now link up with Georgia and Willis for their latest adventure, involving a formidable 14,692ft climb up a mountain straddling the main watershed and border between Switzerland and Italy.
Georgia, from Devon, who was diagnosed with autism last year, is not only GB Paraclimbing champion, she is also cofounder of Deaf Climbing UK.
Willis, who hails from Glasgow, specialises behind the lens and possesses a love of adventure.
Money raised from the Alpine Autism - Matterhorn 2016 venture will help Autism At Height generate more grassroots projects in sharing the benefits of climbing as therapy for autism.
With funding support Autism At Height hopes to offer more climbing trips for autistic kids in amazing locations such as the Pyrenees, as well as provide coaching for youngsters in autistic schools across the UK.
“I met Jamie from living in Llanberis, where I coached rock climbing,” said Mark, who also works for the charity Sense for Deafblind.
“Jamie and his father Gareth approached me for coaching and we went from there. I later became his support worker to aid a move towards a more independent life.
“I chose climbing as the route and transferred that to working w with Jamie.”
The team is due to fly out to Switzerland next Monday and w will be well prepared.
Mark added: “Jamie and Georgia have been training mostly to get aerobically fit for mountain environment. It’s all legs and lungs up there.
“I will climb with Jamie and Willis with Georgia and as a complete group, depending on terrain.”