Following the passing of Bill in November 2022, the Morley family wanted to do something special in his memory.
Ben set himself the challenge to climb the mountain in Scotland. The aim of the walk was to help raise money to support the Loughborough University Opportunity Scholarship programme, to help one student from a disadvantaged or underrepresented through their studies at Loughborough.
After a tough start, Ben and his dad Mark successfully climbed Ben Nevis on 29 July 2023. Mark, Bill’s son, said:
“I was incredibly proud of Ben for being able to reach the summit despite feeling ill due to the exertion half way up.
“He showed great character and resilience, and his grandad would have been really impressed by him and his determination to finish.
“It was fantastic for me as a dad to spend such quality time with Ben, in the way I spent valuable time with my dad. And I know he was there with us in spirit every step of the way.”
Ben added:
“It was great to know dad and I climbed the highest point in Britain, the views were fantastic, and I really enjoyed my well-earned bowl of chips after.”
Bill Morley began his studies at Loughborough in 1962, studying Physical Education, and received an honorary degree in 2009. He then returned to Loughborough in 1997 to lecture in Geography. He was known by colleagues, family and friends as a very kind man, and he really believed that every student deserved equal access to education.
Ben and his family have already raised an incredible £3,000, and they are aiming to raise £9,000 over the next three years. Find out more about this story or donate towards the cause via JustGiving.
