75-Year-old Wexford man to take on Everest trek in memory of late wife

A 75-year-old man from Misterin, Adamstown, is preparing for the challenge of a lifetime this September as he sets out on an 18-day trek to Mount Everest base camp…

Michael Ridgeway, who lives with serious visual impairment caused by macular degeneration, will begin the demanding journey on September 25. The trek will see him endure dramatic temperature shifts from +30°C to -30°C, walking six to seven hours daily at altitudes reaching 18,000 feet. Despite the risks of altitude sickness and extreme conditions, Ridgeway says he is determined to succeed.

His motivation is twofold. Michael’s beloved wife Geraldine, whom he describes as “the love of my life,” passed away just over four years ago.

“She was very generous and giving, so I am doing this in her honour,” he told Wexford Weekly.

At the same time, Ridgeway is raising funds for Mary’s Meals, a global charity that provides food to almost three million schoolchildren across 16 countries every day.

The charity highlights that a nutritious school meal costs just 11 cent, with €22 enough to feed a child for an entire year.

Michael has set himself the goal of raising €6,000 – enough to feed the pupils of Ngoza Primary School in Zambia for a full year.

“Geraldine would want me to look after those in need,” he said.

As part of his preparations, Michael will be training at the running track in Adamstown Community Centre on Saturday, August 30, from 11am to 5pm. He is inviting the public to come along, join him for a lap of the track – around 10 minutes – and contribute €2. “That €2 would feed a child for a month of schooldays,” he added.

For Ridgeway, the Everest challenge is about more than the physical effort. It is a personal tribute, a charitable mission, and a reminder that determination can overcome even the steepest of climbs.