Hello

In January 2010, I’m making an attempt to climb Aconcagua, at nearly 7,000m, the highest mountain outside the Himalayas and a formidable challenge, and I’m asking for sponsorship in aid of WWF. 

WWF’s vital work is becoming rapidly more critical for the world’s environment, wildlife and human populations.

I’d much appreciate it if you would take the time to read below how WWF could use the money and about the challenge I’m taking on (summit success rates are about 40%).

 

Quick links:

My JustGiving site for donations:              You're on it!

WWF:                                                                http://www.wwf.org.uk

I also have a paper sponsorship form, should you prefer the traditional method!

 

I’m training very hard for the climb to do everything in my power to get myself to the top.  However fit I get, the altitude and conditions guarantee that success will be a battle of mind over matter, of trudging on and on, hours after feeling a strong need to sit down and give up, of sleepless nights, constant fatigue, headaches and force feeding myself with bland food.

Even then, after climbing most of the way up, bad weather could prohibit a summit attempt.  I’ve included below a few facts and figures about Aconcagua and altitude climbing.

 

Examples of what your donation could be used for:

- £5 buys five seedlings to help replant the forests of Tanzania;

- £25 pays a Rhino Protection Unit ranger's salary for 10 days;

- £100 pays for the training of one villager, in Borneo, as an Honorary Wildlife Warden

- £200 buys a camera trap to film tigers and other wildlife in Huai Kha Khaeng, Thailand.

 

A few facts about climbing Aconcagua:

 Height                                                  6962m (22,841 feet)

Days to summit                                   10-12

Calories per day                                 4,000

Hours trekking per day                       6-8

Summit day*                                       15 hours, 8,000 calories*

Back pack                                           Up to 20kg

Typical summit temp (C)                   -20

Summit wind speeds                         Up to 75mph

Drink                                                    6-9 litres per day

The Aconcagua diet – guaranteed results!

- I made an attempt on Aconcagua last year but gave up an hour or two from the summit due to fatigue. 

- Altitude sickness can affect people from 2,500m; people are regularly helicoptered off base camp at 4,000m.  From there up, the effect of altitude increases rapidly.  I seem to start getting symptoms at about 3,500m.  Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, difficulty sleeping. Headaches are also probable and thinking slows drastically near the top (summit day is a bit like being drunk)

- The stream water is so pure it tastes better than UK tap water

- The scenery is beautiful, untouched and (almost) entirely internet/phone free!

- I have no technical climbing skills and very limited high altitude experience

 

I’m very excited about returning for a second attempt.  During the four months preceding last year’s attempt, during which time I should have been training intensively, I spent two months with shingles and then had a couple of sundry viruses.  This year I’m planning a more conventional training regime involving running/weights etc.  I feel this may be more effective…!!

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this, please do make a donation. 

Note: I am paying in full for the trip – 100% of all donations will go to WWF.

I promise to return with photos and stories!

 

Regards

Martin

 

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