Monday 31th August and at last I have the motivation to update the web site!!

In the first two weeks of July 2010 I attempted to climb the highest mountain in Europe.... Mt Elbrus in the Russian Caucasus; at 18,500ft a little lower than Kilimanjaro (which I did in 2007)  but with much more snow and ice.

It was hard but I wouldn't have missed the experience for the world. After two days ascending and descending from 6,500 to 10,000 ft we moved all our stuff including food for 240 meals up to a hostel at 10,000ft. There were 13 in the party plus guides and a cook. Another day moving into the snow and ice covering vast lava fields and then after two more days of trecking up to 13,000ft to aclimatise, we bunked down in a sort of converted  container at around 13,500 ft. From there a day up to 14,500 ft and then a days rest before attempting the summit.

Sadly I had also spent these days developing a heavy head cold which wasn't helping much so for summit day up at 3.30 am, a short ride on a snow cat, and off we set. Elbrus is an extinct volcano. The going was smooth but always steep and we spent most of the time traversing. The sun rose but by about 8am I had had it. A combination of total breathlessness and worn out legs forced me to turn back at about around 16,500ft. It was deeply disappointing.

The good news is that I have just about reached my target of £5,000 for the ACT prostate cancer scan appeal. As I write, with gift aid we are at £4,900 and there are a few more pledges being called in!  So please help me to at least complete that target!

 

Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust - ACT is currently aiming to raise £72,980 for an ultrasound scanner for the urology clinic. With the current scanners, the team aren not always able to see the prostate as clearly as they would like, which makes it difficult to take precise biopsies. With the new scanner they will be able to see the prostate more clearly and target the biopsies, which will make the diagnosis of prostate cancer faster, more reliable and reduce discomfort. For greater detail please see http://www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/news/urologyscanner.asp

Yes, I know that this is the sort of equipment that the NHS ought to provide but capital budgets are currently very tight and it is essential for Addenbrooke's to receive charitable funds if it is to continue to be one of the worlds leading hospitals.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving,  they will never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they will send your money directly to the ACT prostate ultrasound fund and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

So please feel generous - it might be you (or your partner) next - and donate now.

Thanks

 

Jim