Grand Combin 2015: Team Leader’s Final Report
Four team members, accompanied by our guide and an apprentice guide, started the trek on 28th July at Bourg St Pierre in Switzerland. Unfortunately, our 5th team member was unable to commence the challenge and returned to the UK.
The trip consisted of a long distance, 6 day, high altitude mountain trek around the Grand Combin massif in Switzerland and Italy, to raise money for Asthma UK and Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal Respiratory Fund.
I am thrilled to announce that the challenge was a complete success with the bonus, for 3 of the 4 trekkers, of summiting Mont Avril (3347m) at 11am on Friday 31st July 15 after a 4 hour approach march.
The weather remained relatively kind to us with only one bad day when we had to continue on a slightly lower route for safety. All 6 days were long and hard and we crossed many glaciers and passes en route with stunning scenery in both Switzerland and Italy.
The target we set for our 2 charities was £3000, but as I write this, we have raised in excess of £4800, with a little more pledged. We are delighted with the generosity that people have shown and the team send their heartfelt thanks to everyone who kindly donated and helped in many other ways. Our page remains open until the end of August, for those who may yet wish to ‘catch-up’ and contribute to our very worthy charities.
Craghoppers kindly provided me and my Team with Bear Grylls Trek Shirts.
I am pleased to say that these were nothing short of EXCELLENT!
The overall team comments were:
– The shirts were cool enough on the hot days and the underarm vents were excellent.
– The Solar shield protection was great at altitude.
– Warm enough on the cooler days.
– The wicking qualities were really good. Our youngest member was a ‘big’ lad who sweated a lot and the shirt was perfect for him. He wore it the 6 full days and it still looked in good order at the end!
– Although not necessarily fully windproof, it was ‘windproof enough’ on top of Mont Avril where the wind was rather strong.
– It was very hardwearing and no ‘cracks’ appeared whilst scrambling over rocks and glaciers.
– The multiple pockets and roll up sleeves were a great bonus.