Ed and James are climbing Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe, and one of the "Seven Summits" - the highest mountain on each continent.  At 5,642 metres (18,510 ft), it is the tenth most prominent mountain in the world, and is located in the Caucasus Mountains on the Russian/Georgian border.  This challenge will push their mental and physical limits and all to raise money for their chosen charity, Brain Research UK (BRUK).

BRUK has successfully been supporting research into the causes, treatment, prevention and cure of neurological diseases for nearly 50 years.  One in six people in the UK suffer a major neurological condition of some kind which requires treatment - reflecting the scale and impact that neurological conditions has on so many.  They are supporting BRUK due to many personal links they have with brain related conditions. 

Ed's grandfather and James’ grandmother died from the effects of stroke. Ed's father and James’ uncle are suffering from the reoccurring impact of a brain tumour.  James’ grandmother died from, and both of Ed's grandparents are currently battling the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.  The heartfelt effects of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions have also affected close friends and family.  The impact of these conditions are sadly well known to many.

Neither Ed nor James have ever undertaken this level of technical ice climbing before, presenting them with a huge challenge in terms of the preparation and training, which starts now right up until the summit climb in July 2018.  They have allowed 12 months for training to fully prepare for this high altitude climb, but also crucially to raise as much as they can for an excellent cause.

During the climb they will be battling extreme -20 degree temperatures, altitude sickness, snow blindness, frost bite, hypothermia, and exhaustion while tackling ice falls and crevasses.  They will need all the encouragement they can get during their preparation, training and  the climb itself. 

If you are able to kindly spare a donation and help spread the word, for such an excellent cause, it would be hugely appreciated.