Choir hero smashes Snowdon hike record and raises £5,500
HERO Gerry McCory from Northampton Male Voice Choir (NMVC) has officially become the fastest disabled person ever to hike Mount Snowdon.
Dad-of-four Gerry, who had a leg amputated below the knee in 2016, set a new record of 2 hours 36 mins to conquer the 3,560ft peak of England’s highest mountain - smashing the existing time of 4 hours 8 mins.
His gruelling challenge in sweltering 27℃ heat has so far raised £5,500 towards NMVC’s adopted charity Prostate Cancer UK and Teddies For Loving Care – which provides cuddly bears to sick children in hospital.
A psychotherapist to some of Britain’s top sports stars and athletes, Gerry, 50, was this week given a standing ovation and cheered to the rafters on his return by fellow members of the 100-strong choir.
Gerry, who has played professional wheelchair rugby for Northampton Saints, said: ‘I set myself a new challenge every year, but this was the craziest so far.
‘I was in excruciating pain, but I’m stubborn and wouldn’t let it break me. ‘
NMVC Chairman Mark York said: ‘We are blessed having Gerry Mac in our ranks. His grit, determination and leadership inspires every member of this choir.’
NMVC Musical Director Stephen Bell said: ‘What Gerry has achieved is super-human. There is no limit to what he will take on.’
Gerry, a tenor section leader with NMVC, has raised £96,000 for charities in 10 years. His next challenge is to hit £100,000.