Thornhill Dental Surgery duo join mountain mission

Andy and Katie Wallwork from Thornhill Dental Surgery will climb Kilimanjaro in September in memory of Tony Johnston, who passed away in 2010.

Mr Johnston was travelling home from a holiday with his wife and two young sons, when tragedy struck.

He suffered a heart attack while on a ferry back from Spain and was airlifted to a nearby hospital in France, but died a short time later.

Mr Wallwork said: “It was a complete shock to us as Tony was only 45, an active lad and in good health.

“His wife was devastated but wanted to do something to bring something positive out of the experience.

“Tony always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro so we want to do it for him.”

The couple, from Tingley, will team up with Mr Johnston’s wife, Sally, and members of her family for the trek.

Mrs Johnston has raised more than £20,000 for the British Heart Foundation already and hopes to raise another £10,000.

Mr Wallwork said: “We did the Yorkshire Three Peaks last year and have regularly walked since then.

“We are not expecting it to be that taxing of a climb but it is the altitude you cannot practice for so that will be the challenge.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/Johnstonsjourney to pledge your sponsorship.