A 90-year-old man from County Durham is set to climb the mast of the Cutty Sark to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.
Kelso Yuill, from Bishop Auckland, who has been a supporter of the charity for many years, will take on the challenge on 24 September.
He says:
“The main mast of the Cutty Sark stands at 153 feet high. The climb may not appear to be a huge challenge, but earlier this year I celebrated my 90th birthday. I can’t imagine many 90-year-olds have done this.”
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.”
Together with his son, Kelso is a member of a local military re-enactment group, the 68th Society which portrays their local regiment, the Durham Light Infantry.
He says:
“I have had a long-time interest in military history ever since discovering an ancestor who served with Wellington’s Army from 1807 to 1827. All of his time was served as a Private in the Royal Scots and he survived the Peninsula Campaign and the battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo.”
Kelso began to support 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 says:
“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 £702 for Blind Veterans UK. If you would like to support his fundraising please visit his Just Giving page: 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
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/gethelp
