Johnny Ward, who grew up in Kilkeel, was the first person to complete the ‘ultimate explorers’ grand slam’.
This involved visiting all 197 countries, climbing the Seven Summits, which includes Everest, and visiting the North and South Poles.
He details his travels to his 90,000 Instagram followers and through his online blog, One Step 4 Ward, as well as leading hikes and travel adventures across the world.
In 2019, Johnny joined his mother, Maura, on a fundraising hike up Mount Fuji in Japan for The Cure Parkinson’s Trust.
Maura was diagnosed with the disease in 2012.
In 2016, for her 65th birthday, she undertook a skydive and, from there, her love of travelling grew, and she started her own travel blog, Geriatric Traveller.
To date she has visited almost 70 countries and has completed various challenges for the charity, including a 100km tandem bike ride in Petra with Johnny, as well as walking part of the 2021 Serengeti Marathon in Africa.
Johnny has now announced a new feature-length documentary entitled What Age Were You Born, which will include background on his own travelling accomplishments as well as the 2019 hike up Mount Fuji with his mum.
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In an Instagram post, he said that when Maura was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it was “crushing” for her and for the family.
“I was always really close with my mum, and finally I had started doing well for myself and bringing my mum along on adventures. Then out of nowhere… Parkinson’s,” he wrote.
“Initially we thought this new adventure life would have to change.
“A year of dealing with the diagnosis, but then, rather than living life with Parkinson’s, my mum (and I) decided to let’s try to live life despite it. Or even to spite it.
Johnny Ward and his mother Maura in Petra
“Fifty countries came and went, backpacking through Afghanistan, Togo, Peru, you name it.
“As the Parkinson’s progressed, though, and we saw other people being diagnosed, we thought we had a chance to help others.
“Both by inspiring them to show that Parkinson’s, or other chronic illnesses, don’t have to mean you simply give up. But in fact, you can use it as a catalyst to use the strength and vitality you have now. But also to fundraise for a cure for the disease.
“Fast forward and we have raised over $60k [£44k] for a cure. Not the most money raised ever, we know, but it is helping in the way we can.
“We did it with a 10km for my mum in the Serengeti Marathon, a 100km tandem cycle across the Jordanian desert and — the biggest challenge — my mum, at 70, attempting to summit Mount Fuji.
“A close friend of mine joined for some of these adventures and filmed the struggles.
“Now, What Age Were You Born is finally ready. It’s a tough watch, but I’m so proud of my mum. Watch this space.”
Maura climbing Mount Fuji in July 2019
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A release date for the 38-minute film has not yet been announced but it is anticipated to be screened at a number of film festivals.
In 2024, Johnny built a home for his mother beside his own in Chiang Mai in Thailand, which he shares with his wife, Jaa, and their son.
AloJapan.com