A GRANDFATHER climbed Ben Nevis to raise money for a children’s cancer ward.

Robin Galloway, joined by his partner Kay Dennison and their 13 year-old Patterdale Terrier, Choc, climbed the mountain on May 1 to raise money for the children’s oncology department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where Mr Galloway’s granddaughter Mia is undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

The trio took seven hours to ascend and four hours to descend the Scottish mountain and Mr Galloway said: “This walk was incredibly important to us as we want to raise money for the children’s oncology department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where our beautiful granddaughter Mia is currently being treated.

“Choc isn’t the youngest of dogs and his leg muscles had deteriorated over the years.

“I’d never have dreamed he would be up to the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, and indeed he wouldn’t have been if it wasn’t for the fantastic job carried out by Jock and the team at Severn Vets to get him fit again.

“Visibility was quite poor on the walk with snow around us, but Choc loved it as he has a great attitude and loves his walks.

“Mia is always asking after Choc and thinks it’s wonderful that he walked up the mountain.

“The staff at the Children’s Oncology unit at Worcestershire Royal are second to none and they work wonders with all the children that pass through the unit, not just Mia. In fact, they are more than healthcare professionals, they are family.”

Choc was only able to escort his owner up the mountain after transformative surgery on both rear leg cruciate ligaments performed by the team at Severn Veterinary Centre at Berkeley House in Worcester.

Mr Galloway, from Bewdley, is aiming to raise a minimum of £500 for Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

To round off the three peaks challenge, he will be tackling Scafell Pike in June.

To donate, go to the fundraising page at

www.facebook.com/donate/2138209256232962/