Volunteer John Wilkinson will make a sentimental return to Mount Snowdon after a 51-year gap.
The retired policeman is part of an East Cheshire Hospice team climbing the Welsh peak.
The last time he visited the mountain range was as a teenage police cadet.
John Wilkinson and Toni Walsh who are climbing Mount Snowdon.
John said: “I was in a team of four which took part in the Snowdonia Seven and scaled seven peaks, including Snowdon, in the national cadet championships in 1974. The event still takes place today.
“It’ll be strange going back after all this time, but I’m excited about this challenge with the Hospice.”
Toni Walsh, a colleague and the Hospice’s furniture coordinator, is also participating in memory of her late husband Tim.
The couple married at the Hospice in 2020, soon after Tim was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Toni has also completed a Sahara trek to raise funds for the Hospice.
More than 40 supporters will undertake the overnight trek on August 2 and 3.
The challenging nine-mile walk will be guided by experienced mountaineers. Places are still open with a £45 registration and a minimum of £330 must be raised in sponsorship.
John collects furniture for the Hospice on Thursdays, while on Monday afternoons the Macclesfield grandfather can be found serving on the till at the charity’s Thornton Square shop.
He said: “It’s a very worthwhile charity. I started 10 years ago and wanted to give something back.
“I love it and try not to miss too many shifts due to holidays.
“My nickname is GAK …the Gift Aid King. That’s because I’m red hot on Gift Aid. I always ask customers if they’re registered for Gift Aid and it’s become a standing joke with me.
“The 25 per cent extra the Hospice can claim back is big business. If we don’t get that, we’re losing out on a lot of money which we need. Thankfully, we do sign up a lot of customers.
“We have fantastic volunteers and donors. We also have some superb deals on furniture and other shop items.”
John, who spent 31 years in the police force, is part of the crew which volunteers at the Christmas tree collection.
Walkers on the Snowdon trip will receive a hot buffet at a Llanberis hotel late on the Saturday before a 1 am registration and briefing.
The ascent, using Llanberis Path, starts at 2 am and takes three to four hours.
