A Mansfield man is climbing four major peaks in the shadow of five of the world’s six highest mountains in memory of his stepson ­— and to raise money for two charities.

Last year Darrin Reid reached the summit of Mera Peak in Nepal, raising £16,000 for Mansfield-based charity Hetty’s and also the Epilepsy Society.

He is now attempting the 28-day Khumbu Climber expedition, organised by Jagged Globe, Sheffield, in aid of the two causes.

The peaks are in the shadow of Mount Everest (8,848metres high), Kangchenjunga (8,586metres), Lhotse (8,516metres), Makalu (8,463metres) and Cho Oyu (8,201metres).

Darrin’s mammoth effort is in memory of his step-son, Marcus Ball, who died in December 2016, four days before his 26th birthday.

Marcus, who was diagnosed with epilepsy, was a student at the University of Leeds and hoped to become a professor.
Darrin, who hopes to complete his trek and climb in November, said he was supporting the Epilepsy Society because it provided the family, including Darrin’s wife, Karen, with much-needed support and guidance.

He said: “This has had a truly and lasting devastating effect on our other children, his girlfriend, family and friends.

“As each day, week, month and now year passes, the pain and reality of his loss grows ever more real.
“Marcus was an incredibly bright, intelligent young man with his whole life ahead of him, with many plans, ideas and aspirations.

“He was an adventurer and a thrillseeker, with wit, charm and charisma like no other.

“Following the success of reaching the summit of Mera Peak last October and raising an incredible £16,000 for our two chosen charities, I want to continue the challenge in memory of Marcus ­— and as a testament to his short but incredibly brilliant and full life.”

Darrin is also supporting Hetty’s, based on Woodhouse Road, Mansfield, which offers confidential support, enabling families to recover from the effects of their loved ones’ drug and alcohol misuse.

He said: “It supports families throughout Nottinghamshire affected by addiction ­— through kinship care, individual one-to-one support, peer-support groups, holistic therapy, mediation and bereavement counselling.

“I encountered Hetty’s following the death of my father in 2011, when Hetty’s offered us significant support when we needed it most.

“Since then my wife has been actively involved with them on a volunteer basis.

“Because of the support we received we wanted to offer something back, to show our appreciation and raise public awareness.

“Our fundraising will make a significant difference to this small but very personal charity.”

To make a donation go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DarrinReid