Bob Parkinson, a 49-year-old father from Coln St Aldwyns in the Cotswolds, has triumphed in scaling Ama Dablam, a mountain famed for its technical difficulty and standing 6,812 meters tall in Nepal. This arduous climb served as a heartfelt tribute to his late son, Jonty, who tragically passed away last year in a workplace accident at just 18 years old.
Ama Dablam, despite being lower than Everest, poses significant challenges due to its steep and exposed routes, making successful summits a rare achievement. Bob set off on October 15 alongside his longtime friend Damian Cox, 50, from near Northleach. Together, they spent months in intense physical training, including six weeks acclimatizing by sleeping in hypoxic tents to prepare for the altitude.
Bob, an award-winning chef and founder of the Cirencester-based culinary brand Made by Bob, climbed with a purpose beyond personal achievement. Funds raised from this expedition will help establish The Jonty Trust for Young Arborists, aimed at improving safety and mentoring for newcomers in the tree work industry—a fitting legacy for his son, who was an apprentice tree surgeon.
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Damian, CEO of the billboard company Wildstone, also climbed to raise awareness and funds for Young Epilepsy and Lupus UK, in support of his eight-year-old daughter Milla, who has suffered from these conditions since infancy. While Damian reached Camp 2, roughly 730 meters below the summit, he was forced to turn back due to severe exhaustion and challenging weather.
Reflecting on his climb, Bob shared, “The final ascent pushed me beyond limits I didn’t know I had. I even started hallucinating during the last 700 meters. But thinking of Jonty kept me moving; I was determined to reach the top for him.” Damian added, “Choosing safety over summiting was difficult, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and grateful for the support.”
Together, they have raised over £125,000 for their causes—Bob securing £31,609 and Damian nearly hitting his £100,000 target with £97,765 raised. Their remarkable journey not only honors loved ones but also aims to make a real difference in their communities.