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Team Reaches Summit 11am local time, Thursday 8 July

Two groups left the Tete  Rousse hut (3167m) at 5:45 hrs with head-torches illuminating the sub-zero expanse of snow and solid frozen rock.  The six zig-zagged up  the Goutier Ridge to cross the treacherous Grand Couloir  where the evening before a rock fall had swept a climber from the path and the injured body was retrieved by helicopter.  At early morning the rock  and snow was held firm frozen together.  They arrived at the Goutier hut (3817m) at 7:15 hrs and strode across the snow covered plateau to initially drop height before the snow covered ridge leading up to the twin domes. The effects of the now warm sun and the steepness of the climb up steps of frozen snow made the sweat pour off the intrepid group.

It got colder above the 4000m mark and in single file they strode slower and slower up the narrow snow ridge. The effects of altitude were starting to be felt  and the exposure in both extreme height and the ripping wind sapped the resources of the climbers.

The two guides were subtly refusing any stops  for rest  and  knew that if they let their charges stop, mental and physical chill would stop them in their tracks.

The ridge got narrower and the wind now carried fragments of frozen snow which bit into faces. To the four fund-raisers the ridge just went ever upwards,  only the guides knew how close they were to the summit.  The slope gradually eased and a row of ice-axes stuck in the snow indicated the top of Mont Blanc.  The ridge continued on and down into Italy.

Pete and Ian unfurled the Airbus flag bracing it against the wind as Mark  and David joined them  whilst Mountain Guides Richard  and Robin took photos.

There was little time to extend the celebrations in such a hostile environment. They donned wind-proofs rechecked their packs and ice axes and the novices who were lead up the peak had  to lead on down.  Descending the narrow snow ridges  with the whole of the Alps as far as Geneva stretched out below  was doubly awe inspiring and threatening.  Going down hill jolted knees and wore out the muscles that were left still operating after the ascent.

With only brief stops for water and a snack,  the group pressed on and on to reach the Goutier hut  at 13:00 hrs.

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At 4810m (15,781 ft) Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe and will present severe challenges to the team in the form of extreme cold, ice climbing, altitude sickness, falling rocks and narrow exposed ridges not to mention the preparation and fitness required for a summit attempt.

Once again this expedition is in memory of colleague Gary Furness who died in 2005 after a period of care within the hospice organisation. Consequently all sponsorship and proceeds will be donated to St John’s Hospice on the Wirral.

Please help us support this deserving cause