09-04-2025
Fundraiser conquers height of Everest in Wainwright challenge
A determined fundraiser is set to complete his challenge to climb all 214 Wainwrights in the Lake District in one year, three months ahead of schedule.
Ken Johnston, a business liaison manager at Forth, embarked on the challenge in July to raise funds and awareness for Goodlives West Cumbria.
This charity helps local residents find employment.
Forth is an award-winning UK advanced technology solutions business with bases at Maryport, Cleator Moor and Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria.
Mr Johnston's dedication has seen him scale 9,587 metres in just six days, surpassing the height of Mount Everest, which is 8,849 metres tall.
This is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest and Eskdale's Harter Fell combined.
Mr Johnston, who works at the engineering firm, is set to complete his challenge by the end of April.
His determination saw him cover 100 miles in the process.
The Goodlives West Cumbria teddy bear mascot accompanied Ken Johnston on his hikes (Image: Supplied) In January, he doubled the distance of a charity walk from Forth's HQ in Flimby to Goodlives' base in Cleator Moor, making it a 40-mile round trip.
Mr Johnston said: "I am currently undertaking the challenge of walking all 214 Wainwrights so I thought I would continue that mission with the aim of scaling the equivalent of Everest in one week.
"I'm known for pushing my limits, so of course I wanted to go higher and in less time – and, when I had surpassed in just six days, my next goal was to break the 100-mile mark.
"This trek was tough going over boggy ground and I had to push on through painful blisters, but I wanted to really challenge myself to make the rewards of completing the hikes feel more worthwhile.
"All of this is to raise money for, and awareness of, such an amazing charity which benefits the lives of many people living in West Cumbria."
The fundraiser was part of Forth's campaign to raise £25,000 for Goodlives to mark the engineering firm's 25th anniversary.
Mr Johnston is not finished with his fundraising efforts.
Alongside his colleagues, he aims to conquer the Three Peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon within 24 hours on July 12.
This was the original date set by Mr Johnston to complete his Wainwright challenge.
He will be joined by Lewis Mattinson, Aaliyah Rawlinson, and Imogen Frazer, with Graeme McLoughlin providing logistical support.
Mr Johnston added: "As a company, Forth is really passionate about championing local causes and Goodlives West Cumbria does an incredible job in helping people improve and develop their employability skills to get them into work, thus benefiting the local economy.
"It's a landmark anniversary for Forth as we celebrate 25 years in business, and that journey has included supporting our local community along the way.
"We are determined to raise as much money as possible for Goodlives."
During his challenge, Mr Johnston was accompanied by the Goodlives West Cumbria teddy bear as a mascot.
For those interested in supporting Forth's fundraising campaign for Goodlives West Cumbria, donations can be made on Johnston's JustGiving page.
