In 2008, Scott Kingsley’s friend Nathan passed away; he’d needed to find a matching stem cell donor to treat his Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but was sadly unable to find one in time.
Now Scott’s raising vital funds for Anthony Nolan to save the lives of more people like Nathan – by taking on the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro. In this blog, he tells his story:
Almost seven years ago my life, just like the lives of many others, was turned completely upside down. The one and only Nathan Hancock lost his battle to Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
I have to admit that before Nathan was diagnosed I had never heard of the disease. Since then, though, I seem to see it everywhere I go.
I am sure I speak for all of those that knew Nathan when saying that probably his most memorable features were his smile and love for life. I struggle to remember a time when he wasn't smiling, and his cheeky grin certainly managed to get him out of some sticky situations (Just ask his mum).
Nathan's zest for life was infectious, and even as I write this through the pain and heartache we have all felt, I am ultimately left with a smile on my face.
Just after Nathan passed away, a group of us discussed ideas of raising money in his name. One of the most outrageous ideas was climbing Kilimanjaro. I guess afterwards, as time passed and people relocated, the idea was gradually put on the back-burner. At the end of the day, could we really do it? I’m sure Nathan had a little chuckle as we sat and discussed it over a pint or ten.
Nathan (centre) and his friends, celebrating together
Finally, after seven years of procrastination, I am taking the plunge (or the climb). Given that I struggle to climb the stairs in my apartment I truly think this is going to be quite a challenge. At the end of the day, this is the least I can do for a charity that gave all they could to Nathan – and also to continue his legacy.
I know Nathan will be on my side throughout the climb, and I am sure he will get great joy out of watching my struggle. Knowing him, he will probably be weighing my backpack down somehow.
The prospect of an eight-day climb to reach almost 6,000m is daunting. This is before I even consider the temperature range of -25 to +35 degrees, potential snow, thunderstorms, 12-hour climbs…and oh, wait. Altitude sickness.
Even after taking all of this into account, I am still left with the same thoughts: this is nothing compared to what Nathan endured. If I can summon even only 10% of the strength he showed, then I know I will succeed.
I have to admit that training in my adopted home of Bangkok has probably been slightly different to the norm, but I have found a way. I have certainly received some funny looks as I march around the streets with full backpack and hiking gear.
Scott’s training gets underway
Scott, out on the streets of Bangkok
This week, things have gotten even more random, as I’ve tried out an altitude-training mask.
Scott tests out his new mask
Fortunately, the rainy season is giving me plenty of opportunities to try out my waterproof clothing, and I can thankfully confirm it does the trick. However, dressed head to toe in waterproofs with the rain throwing it down outside is still slightly uncomfortable in 30-degree heat.
Scott, preparing to get soaked
With only two weeks to go, I am focusing more and more on Nathan each day, in an attempt to summon some of the strength he showed to use on my epic adventure.
Even after seven years, I struggle to put into words how I feel. It’s difficult to do him justice in a few simple words, but impossible to explain how much he’s missed.
As we all know, 'There is only one Nathan Hancock'. A beloved son, brother, fiancé, uncle and friend. Never forgotten, bro.
#hancock9rip #kingsleydoeskilimanjaro
Donate to Scott's journey
If you’d like to support Scott on his incredible journey, please donate to his JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/Scott-Kingsley
If you'd like to take on a trek for Anthony Nolan and raise money towards our work, find out more on our website