18/8/2004 - Mont Blanc challenge for County Council climbers

On Tuesday 24 August, intrepid County Council employees, Rod Ireland and Ewan Hall will climb three peaks in the French Alps. Based in Chamonix, they will climb Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and then the big one, Mont Blanc, raising money for charity as they go.

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe at a massive 15,781 feet or 4,810 metres. Speaking about the trip Rod says,

"We are keen climbers and it will be a personal achievement for both of us. I decided it would be a good way to raise money for charity and selected the Carlisle Epilepsy Action Charity as beneficiary for the climb. I'm hoping to raise around £300."

The higher Ewan and Rod climb, the thinner the air will get and the temperature will drop to around -25 degrees centigrade. The mountains also have deep crevasses or snow covered cracks to overcome, as well as the freezing temperatures. The pair aim to reach the summit of Mont Blanc at around 8.00am on 24 August after climbing for around seven hours.

The Carlisle Branch of `Epilepsy Action', Rod's chosen charity to benefit from the climb was established in January 2004 as a local branch of the nationally recognised charity. The group aims to supply and distribute resources and information to the community and provide a support network for people and families who are affected by epilepsy. Anyone who wants more information about the charity can contact Nicola Phillips, Branch Secretary on 07900 202669.