Eddy's Words on Wasa - 17th August 2011
Ben Nevis is 4,409 ft high – on the sodden wet day that the Amantani team took us up to the summit it felt like double that.
Before leaving base camp our 23 or so strong group were introduced and prepped on the challenge ahead. Personally I felt inspired by Chris and Fred – as they explained the enormous benefits and opportunities we were climbing for. Where the money would go and how by the end of our challenge the money raised – some £23,000 would change the lives of children many miles away.
These boys really believe in what they’re doing – they speak about it as if it was a new drug and we should all try it. Their good vibes are both addictive and infectious – and judging by their organisation. I mean come on getting 30 kids together in one spot on one day to climb the highest peak in Britain is worth a tip of the hat on its own.
Having chosen a child to climb for and carrying their respective weights up the mountain in sand bags - I felt a personal attachment. Not only because Yolanda had handmade me and others colourful bracelets as a small thank you but also wearing the Amantani t-shirt – you really felt like a team.
After a short briefing and a massive thank you from Chris and Fred I found myself trudging up the hallowed steps of Nevis. Just an hour before I was tucked up in bed - wondering whether there would be any HP sauce to accompany the hearty breakfast put on for us by the hostel.
This was tough from the word go. The team was full of spirit and excitement not dampened by the weather – but 20 minutes in and red faced I was beginning to wish smoking hadn’t become a habit of a life time. Maybe charity work could be the healthy alternative?
As you can imagine walking upwards continuously you don’t look up very often. However – I’m not sure if this was by accident or some masterful bit of motivational thinking but on the back of every rucksack was a photo of each of the girls we were climbing for. Swinging from side to side like a carrot to a donkey. In our truck and trailer formation winding up the mountain you couldn’t miss the girls’ wide smiles watching you every step of the way – and it worked.
Climbing at different speeds but always sticking together there was always a chance to chat to people many of which I had never met before but we all had one common goal. Such a pleasure to see old and new faces. There was a jovial mood around the camp from start to finish as we absorbed the expansive views – tumbling waterfalls and persistent little midges. Coming to the final 3rd of the climb we pierced the clouds and the damp air. With sodden clothing and very unsure footing we clambered and slowly scrambled towards the summit. When you thought you were there you weren’t and again and again and again.
I was thinking the sun might shine for a small second as the announcement came from the front that we’d made it. Like a big thank you and well done. Unfortunately Chris and Fred don’t command the weather but climbing that mountain on that day with that weight on my back – they made me feel like I could. You could just about make out people smiles of elation and happiness at reaching the top. Amongst the clattering teeth and hair swept faces. I have never been this cold before – ever.
I never wanted this challenge to be easy and it wasn’t. Nature was tough on us and carrying the respective 24 kg means I’ve put a new back on my Christmas list this year. But I am so glad I made the effort. The effort to chase people up again and again for their promised donations. The effort to train hard and go to the gym when I didn’t feel like it and the effort travel the 6 hours or so to Fort William in Scotland to take part in this wonderful event.
The fact of the matter is if these girls can make the 4 hour walk to school every day? Then what we did was a pleasure. A wonderful experience for a great cause. Having seen and heard what can be done with the money raised I feel proud to be apart it. Although I am still waiting on that HP sauce...
Eddy Prince
Wasa Challenger 2011
