March 7, 2022 James vows to complete Mattherhorn challenge

Our special projects manager James Benting has vowed to return to Italy and complete his challenge to climb the Matterhorn after being defeated by the mammoth mountain.

Despite being unable to complete the climb James has raised more than £1,100 for Severn Hospice in memory of our Business Development Manager Norman Carter who was cared for there before his death.

Here’s his account of his arduous trek:

“So I climbed for three days in Monte Rosa region, crossing glaciers and crevasses to reach the 4000m peaks. Adjusting to the altitude day by day. Had no sleep for first two nights which was exhausting! Headaches come with the territory. Did some small rock climbs and snow peaks, where I was making good use of the crampons and had to get the ice axe out to pull myself up.

“After three nights we descended from Monte Rosa all the way back down to the valley. We then drove to Cervinia where the Matterhorn towered over us as we packed our gear.

“I felt physically sick looking up at it. We trekked to the Abruzzi hut ready for our climb the next morning to the Carrel Hut. Unfortunately, due to Baltic conditions the need to move quickly on the mountain was essential, and I couldn’t move quickly enough to be safe. There were very high winds which make the wind chill down to -10 celsius.

“The Matterhorn beat me this time, I’ll go back and train a lot harder. I admit I underestimated it. Next time, I’ll be ready knowing the real challenges of it.”

Well done James! We’re very proud of you. You can donate to his fundraiser here.