Former weightlifter seeks to become oldest man to summit Ben Nevis
An 86-year old former national weightlifter is aiming to become the oldest man to climb Ben Nevis, writes Jamie Wills.
George Byng, a grandfather of six from Greenock, plans to begin his ascent on Sunday July 30. The climb will allow Mr Byng to scatter the ashes of his wife Maureen at the summit, and also serve as a fundraiser for Ardgowan Hospice in his hometown.
Mr Byng’s wife passed on March 25, aged 77.
The previous unofficial record for the oldest person to climb Ben Nevis is 83. Eighty-one-year old Nick Gardner, from Aultbea, made the climb in 2021.
Another 86-year old, a blind veteran, attempted the ascent in 2022 but was forced to turn back halfway.
If successful, the record attempt will be the former Port Glasgow worker’s third time atop Scotland’s highest peak.
“I climbed it when I was 38 and 76. In fact, I’ve climbed it 2.5 half times: in 1974 I went with my three sons, but on the first day my eldest son stopped because he was too hungry!” Mr Byng and four grandchildren will make a preparatory climb of Ben Lomond on Saturday July 1 as part of their training for the Ben Nevis climb.
One of Scotland’s most decorated weightlifters, Mr Byng won 15 British Masters Championships and twice represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.
Despite now being an octogenarian, he continues to weightlift, and in 2022 made headlines by raising £2000 by lifting 85kg, the equivalent of a baby elephant, 12 times.
Speaking of his weightlifting and record attempt, Mr Byng said: “I’m daft! But I want to stay fit. Who wants to be my age and in a wheelchair?”
Mr Byng’s granddaughter will establish a fundraising page for those wishing to contribute donations.