Wakefield boy climbs Ben Nevis in memory of ‘Idol Everest’

A fundraising schoolboy is climbing Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, in memory of his ‘idol’ who is presumed dead after a fall on Everest.

Eight-year-old William Knox followed Daniel Paterson’s journey to reach the 29,032ft (8,849m) summit last month.

William, who has been climbing since the age of four, is taking on his latest challenge to raise money for his school, Wrenthorpe Academy and Wakefield Hospice.

The youngster has already raised more than £2,500 for the hospice by climbing many other mountains including Snowden, Scafell Pike and the Old Man of Coniston.

His mother Natalie, who is a member of Mr Paterson’s gym, Wakefield Crossfit, said the pair struck up a friendship over their love of climbing.

“When William got on Snowden, Dan was really supportive and William came down to the gym to hand in his sponsorship forms.

“Dan gave a great speech in one of his classes about what William was doing and they got this little friendship going.

“So when Dan went off to climb Everest, William followed his daily Instagram updates and would come home every day and watch his videos.

“He’s definitely William’s idol, so it seemed only fitting that he do the next climb in his memory.”

William said part of the money raised from climbing the 1.3km (4,413ft) Scottish mountain on August 14 will be used to buy a track for his school so he and his classmates can keep fit.

The schoolboy, who set up a JustGiving page for his challenge, said he enjoyed climbing because it helped keep him fit and strong.

“It gives me more biceps and a six pack, and it also helps with my running.”

His ultimate dream is to follow in Mr. Paterson’s footsteps and travel to Everest.

Miss Knox, 43, said: “I’ve been pestering me since watching Dan’s videos that he wants to go to Everest Base Camp but I told him he’s under 16 so we’re saving up for it “.

Asked how he would rise to the latest challenge, she added: “Whenever he feels tired, he’ll say, ‘Dan won’t give up’, so he’ll be determined.

“Dan definitely planted a seed for William and hopefully it will live on in William’s memory.”