Help Ward recover from climbing accident

You may have seen news reports about a climber rescued after a devastating 30-40 foot fall at British Columbia’s Skaha Bluffs. That was my wonderful brother Ward Jensen.

On July 5th, 2022, Ward was pursuing his passion for climbing Penticton’s Skaha Bluffs when he fell 30-40 feet and was seriously injured. It took the combined efforts of Penticton & District’s Search and Rescue and the assistance of other climbers to carry Ward out through rugged terrain and fly him a Kelowna Hospital with life-changing injuries. Ward is now facing paraplegia and a long, challenging recovery, with a further month or more in Vancouver General Hospital and then 8 to 9 months of rehabilitation.

Ward’s passion in life was climbing; there was nothing that he enjoyed more. Ward was well-known and active in the climbing community and helped to train many others. Ward has always been a kind and generous person. He cared for my mother, feeding and caring for her as she lost her mobility over two years due to dementia and strokes. Ward decided he wanted to help others in similar situations, so he studied to become a care worker. Ward had just completed his training and was excited about starting at an aged care facility.

Ward will need equipment such as a wheelchair, ramps, home renovations and eventually an altered vehicle he can drive. And as Ward's wife will be supporting him through his recovery, they will have little or no income to get by on, especially while he is in the hospital.

Many have reached out wanting to help, and I believe this is the best way we can support him – by reducing his financial burdens, which will allow him to concentrate on his long and difficult recovery,

Any donation will be greatly appreciated if you can find it in your heart. And please share this link with your families, friends and colleagues.