The Bewdley great-grandad climbing Snowdon - at 92!

Dec 6 2011 by Zoe Chamberlain, Sunday Mercury

FOR some elderly people, just climbing the stairs can be a struggle.

But great-grandad Allen Birch is aiming to reach the summit of 3,400ft high Mount Snowdon – at the astonishing age of 92.

The daredevil pensioner is taking on the highest peak in Wales for the second time in a year to raise money for the Air Ambulance.

Allen, from Bewdley, Worcestershire, said: ‘‘My family weren’t too surprised when I told them I wanted to climb Snowdon again – they know I’m mad.

‘‘For me, mountain climbing is a way of life. I’ve always kept fit and have tackled mountains in Scotland and even in the Alps in the past.

“I’m planning to take on Snowdon next summer to raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance, as it relies solely on donations.

“My daughter jokes that they’ll probably need to come out to me one day!’’

Allen, who lost wife Gladys nine years ago, is no stranger to action, having cleared mines as a soldier during the Second World War.

The former scout leader’s love of mountaineering saw him successfully make it to the top of Snowdon last August – but not without drama.

Allen, who has two grandchildren and five great-grandkids, said: “Me and two friends set off and there were 15mph winds, which were no problem.

‘‘But when we got to the top we were hit by a 75mph gust. It knocked us all off our feet and we fell on top of each other.

‘‘We got up and walked down again, but I was black and blue from head to foot the next day.”

Allen trains every Saturday by walking eight to 10 miles in the Wyre Forest or over Clee Hills, which takes him just four hours.