For 50 years, Trevor Page has walked up to a famous landmark every weekday morning. He was not going to stop his ritual on his 102nd birthday.
But waiting at the top of Sugar Loaf, a landmark overlooking the city of Napier and the vast Heretaunga Plains in New Zealand, were 17 other walkers who had brought champagne, a birthday and a guitar.
“I suppose I’ll have to turn 103 now, if this is the welcome I get,” Page laughed when he saw his mates.
Surrounded by torchlight and Napier’s city lights, the friends sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Trevor.
He always wakes at 5am and walks the steep 127-metre incline. He now is forced to use two walking stick and is accompanied by his daughter Michelle.
Michelle said her dad was an “inspiration” to many, as he did the walk to the landmark every weekday.
“He’s also inspired a few people who have been recovering from illnesses to get up and walk as well. He’s just incredible.”
“Nobody’s allowed to complain of their aches and pains,” she laughed.
During the climb, Trevor stops every 10m to 20m for a short break, before finally reaching the top about 20 minutes later. Unless it’s wet, he goes straight up the vertical track.
We wish him many happy returns.
