Six months ago I heard the devastating news that top climber Malcolm Bass had suffered a stroke. I know Malcolm through my friend Simon Yearsley. Hubby G has climbed with Simon and knows Malcolm, too.
Malcolm Bass is was a world class British climber, who had climbed first ascents and new routes in the Himalaya and Alaska, and had just finished two days of climbing in the Scottish Highlands, doing what he loves most, when the stroke hit.
He was staying with Simon and his wife Sarah when the stroke happened. Thanks to their quick and knowledgable actions, his stroke was quickly spotted and he was rushed to hospital.
Despite this, he almost died. Malcolm lay in a hospital bed in Dundee, barely able to move, see or speak. Two days later, he was rushed into life-saving cranial surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, ending up on life support in the ICU.
He spent months in hospital and while he is now back at home in the north of England with his partner Donna James, he is still recovering.
By all accounts it will be a long journey. Just now, Malcolm is learning to walk and function independently again.
See this video of life then and now:
Move Mountains for Malcolm
Today, a group of Malcolm’s friends have launched a fund-raising campaign: “Move Mountains for Malcolm”.
Simon said: “Malcolm is facing the challenge of his life and urgently needs help, which is why we are launching this vital fundraiser.
“We hope people will follow our dedicated campaign page to read more and watch a video about Malcolm’s climbing, from the Himalaya to Alaska, Scotland and North Yorkshire, and his journey over the last six months.
“With everyone’s help we can get Malcolm back on his feet, literally, and back into the wild places he loves so much. We hope people will be part of our goal to #MoveMountainsForMalcolm by making a donation.”
See GoFundMe. Already more than £5000 has been raised towards the £100,000 target.