Lorne Brown, 80, achieves Italian eight peaks climb
After completing the climbs, Lorne is already thinking about his next challengeAn 80-year-old man has achieved his ambition to climb eight major mountains in eight days in the Italian Dolomites.
Lorne Brown, from North Lanarkshire, began climbing the via ferrata routes just days after his birthday to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Using ropes and ladders, his 8x8 challenge took him up overhanging cliffs and precipitous slopes to some of the highest peaks of the Dolomites.
He was due to celebrate his achievement with a tandem paraglide.
Mr Brown's daughter Christine told the BBC Scotland news website: "I'm just really proud of him."
Lorne, who lives in Dullatur, was a late starter, only beginning to climb Munros at the age of 75.
A via ferrata is a mountain route equipped with fixed cables, stemples, ladders, and bridges to assist climbers.
Each day Lorne walked and climbed about 3,000 feet (900m) - the height of a Munro - to get to the start of each via ferrata.
He trained for the 8x8 challenge by going to the gym three days a week and climbing once or twice a week to strengthen his muscles and increase his stamina.
"He hadn't bought a pair of gym shoes for over 60 years," Christine said.
"He feels vindicated that someone who is 80 can go out and do these things.
"And he is raising awareness for guide dogs at the same time."
Lorne has so far raised £6,000. He hopes to hit his target of £8,888 and has set up a Just Giving website. This year is also the 80th anniversary of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Tandem paraglide"Sometimes you have no time when you're younger to follow your dreams," Christine said. "It's like he's gone into his peak in his 80s. He's really found his niche."
In April last year, Lorne gained his husky driving licence following a 10-day trek in Greenland.
He faced sub-zero temperatures as he led a sled pulled by the dogs to the Arctic Circle.
He also provided the entertainment after taking his bagpipes along.
"He's already thinking what his next challenge is going to be," Christine said.
"He's doing the tandem paraglide just for fun. It's another thing he's always wanted to do."
Following the paraglide, the group Lorne is with are taking him on a short climb, using just ropes.Christine added: "He said 'no wonder he's losing his hair'."
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