Veteran living with Alzheimers set to tackle Everest challenge

A 79-year-old set to become the oldest man with Alzheimer’s to reach Everest Base Camp says the condition is like “climbing a mountain“. Sam Bunting, an army veteran from Ashford, Kent, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2022, but determined to not let this define him, he decided to pursue his lifelong dream of climbing Everest to raise funds for his local Age UK centre, where he volunteers and receives support. Sam originally planned on climbing Everest in 2014, but after he became a grandad to two twins, he did not want to leave them, and in 2015, earthquakes struck Nepal, further delaying his plan. Joining Sam on this journey is Emma-Jayne Thomas, 47, a team leader at Age UK who also lives in Ashford - a lifelong family friend who has always seen Sam as a “second dad”, she is “unbelievably proud” of him. Watch more on Independent TV: The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary a