Boy's Ben Nevis climb in memory of 'Everest idol'

A fundraising schoolboy is climbing the UK'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 summit the 29,032ft (8,849m) peak last month.

The 39-year-old co-owner of a Wakefield gym and his local guide went missing after they were hit by falling ice as they descended Everest on 21 May.

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 scaling numerous other mountains, including Snowden, Scafell Pike and the Old Man of Coniston.

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

"When William climbed Snowden, Dan was really supportive and William came down to the gym to give out his sponsorship forms.

"Dan did a lovely speech at one of his classes about what William was doing and they got this little friendship going.

"So when Dan went to climb Everest, William followed his updates daily on Instagram and he'd come home every day and watch his videos.

"He's definitely William's idol, so it seemed fitting that he do his next climb in his memory."

William said some of the money raised from climbing the 4,413ft (1.3km) Scottish mountain on 14 August would go towards buying a trim trail for his school so him and his classmates could keep fit.

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

"It makes me get more biceps and a six pack and also helps with my running."

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

Miss Knox, 43, said: "He's pestered me since watching Dan's videos that he wants to do Everest base camp, but I've said not until he's 16, so we're saving up for that."

Asked how he would rise to his latest challenge, she added: "Whenever he's feeling tired, he'll say 'Dan wouldn't give up' so he'll be determined.

"Dan has definitely planted a seed for William and hopefully he'll live on in William's memory."

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