The Challenge
Although I failed to reach the summit in September 2009 due to the unsuitable weather conditions, I didn't give up. In June 2010 I returned to Chamonix and once again attempted to climb and flay from the summit of Mont Blanc. After a 1am start, and a 6 hour climb, I arrived at the summit with perfect weather for the flight. Read more about the climb and flight
here, and see the pictures
here and
here.
At the beginning of September 2009 I will carry my paraglider to the summit of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe. From the top of Mont Blanc at 4,810m, I will launch my paraglider and fly the almost 4,000 vertical meters back to the center of Chamonix at 1,015m.
The climb from Chamonix to the summit of Mont Blanc will be done over 2 days, and involves over 8 hours of climbing and over 3,000m of vertical ascent. The physically demanding climb, the reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes, and threat of Acute Mountain Sickness makes this an extremely difficult challenge even before adding in the additional need to carry a paraglider to the summit and launch from an exposed, snow-covered peak.
For this challenge I will be raising money for two charities.
Secret World is a Wildlife Rescue Center near where I grew up outside Bristol. Their dedicated team of staff and volunteers, care for all manner of creatures, from the tiniest harvest mice and bats to badgers, swans, foxes, deer and otters. The
World Land Trust is an international conservation organisation that takes direct action to save rainforest and other wildlife habitats. Please sponsor me using the links on the left, and take time to visit the charity websites to see all of the good work they do.
I will be updating the
Blog and
Gallery on this website with information on my preparation and training for this challenge. Check back regularly for the latest news.
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