AddThis SmartLayers

Weekly editor takes on mountain challenge

A weekly newspaper editor will climb the highest mountain in North Africa to raise funds for The Prostate Cancer charity.

Jason Gibbins, editor of the Banbury Guardian, will take on the gruelling three-day trek to the summit of Morocco’s Mount Toubkai in May.

Joining him will be friend Simon McGrath, editor of Camping and Caravanning magazine.

The pair are hoping to raise more than £2,500 for the charity after Simon’s dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Said Jason: “This is a huge challenge far beyond my current physical capabilities so I face a tough winter training schedule to get anywhere close to the level of fitness required.

“However, we regularly report on many admirable charity challenges within the Banbury Guardian and for far too long I have felt a sense of real regret that, unlike so many in our community, I have never physically pushed myself in support of others – this is my opportunity to put that right.”

Mount Toubkal is part of the Atlas Mountain range. At 4,167 metres it is more than three times the height of Scotland’s Ben Nevis.

The two friends will spend three days on the mountain, trekking for about eight hours a day in temperatures in excess of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and at high altitude.

Added Jason: “By backing our fundraising campaign, our sponsors would be helping to support a cancer that kills one man every hour. Both Simon and I offer our sincere thanks and gratitude in advance to anyone kind enough to offer their financial support.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.

The Prostate Cancer Charity funds research into the illness and provides support and information to improve the lives of sufferers.

To sponsor Jason and Simon log on to www.justgiving.com/mcgrathgibbinstrek