On 14th December 2008, I will be leaving the UK for a 4 week mountaineering expedition in the Argentinean Andes to attempt the summit of Aconcagua. I thought I might as well raise some money for charity whilst I’m at it.

The Challenge

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the world outside of Asia (The Himalayas are located in Asia). At 22,840ft (6,962m), it is the highest point in the Western and Southern Hemisphere and also the highest mountain in the Americas. Due to climbing season variations, those who stand at the summit of Aconcagua are very likely to be the highest people in the world at that moment, as only complete fools climb higher Himalayan peaks in December/January. Despite this, mere mortals like me, with some hard training (and money saving!), can scale this famous peak due to some relatively non technical ascent routes.

I will be attempting the Ruta Normal on Aconcagua (as part of an organised expedition with Sheffield company Jagged Globe) which follows the North West ridge of the mountain. This is a mainly non technical route with only the occasional usage of ice axe and crampons. It will take roughly 3 weeks to climb, descend, and also to acclimatise on a nearby smaller peak (Bonete 15,200ft). The most strenuous section of the ascent is the infamous ‘Canaleta’ – a long steep gully filled with snow, ice and rock, with a 1,200ft altitude gain. It begins at just over 21,000 feet, so progress will be rather slow.

The success rate on Aconcagua is around 20-30%. A friend, who recently climbed on Mt Everest, has attempted Aconcagua twice and failed both times. Weather conditions play the most significant role in determining success. My itinerary allows a weather window of 3 days at the highest camp to sit tight and wait for the right weather for the 12-15 hour slog to the summit. If it doesn’t come, we have to descend and I fail.

If you want to know a bit more about Aconcagua visit
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150197/aconcagua.html

The Charity

You’ve probably heard of St Luke’s Hospice.

This is a care home for terminally ill people – a place where they go to spend their final days. A close friend’s mum recently spent her last days in this place so the charity has a personal connection. My friend had nothing but complete admiration for the work carried out here for his mum and therefore it only seemed right to honour this work by choosing St Luke’s as the beneficiary of the funds raised by the climb. The home relies entirely on donated funds. One day you might be relying on St Lukes to provide a place for a loved one to spend their final hours. Or perhaps it may be you. A worthy charity indeed.

You can find out more about St Lukes by visiting www.stlukeshospice.org.uk

The Financial Bit

This expedition has cost several thousand pounds but unlike some charity events, I am not asking for any contribution towards essential mountaineering equipment / flights / etc. Every single penny you give will go to St Lukes – and don’t forget to gift aid it for the extra 28% provided by everyones favourite - Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

I will be setting up a Facebook  group for awareness of the trip and also a Just Giving page to make donating very easy. I will accept cash/cheque (made payable to St Lukes Hospice) but would prefer electronic means of payment through Just Giving.

I have trained very hard for 8 months for this expedition and will have the fortune of spending Christmas in a freezing tent with a plastic sack for a toilet (yes, solids included). Therefore any donation, no matter how small will be massively appreciated. I raised around £700 for my Kilimanjaro summit, and as this is a much more difficult mountain, I would like to better that amount this time.

I will also point out that even if I do fail (and the success rate suggests that failure is probable!) you will still have to cough up! Sponsorship is for an attempt of the mountain, not a successful summit!

Thanks for reading. Has anyone read this far? ;-)