The Hardest Charity Climb Ever

Last October Rachel Kelsey and Jeremy Colenso made world news when they survived for two nights in sub-zero temperatures and blizzard conditions on the north ridge of the Piz Badile in Switzerland. They managed to text a friend in the UK who sent the alarm to Swiss Rescue workers. After their ordeal they decided to get married at home in Cape Town.

Now, along with team member Mark Blackledge, they have created a world record in completing the hardest rock climb ever done for charity. Their ascent - the North Face of Half Dome, took them 51 hours including rest periods on two small ledges. So far these efforts have raised over £3,000 worth of cash and equipment donations for The Jesus Cares Refuge, a British based charity that provides refuge and medical facilities for the destitute and homeless in Accra, Ghana. Everything raised has gone directly to the building of the refuge.

In the name of charity, they scaled one of the most technically difficult 'bigwall' rock climbs in the world. The summit is at an altitude of over 3,000m and there is often no spring water during the climbing season, increasing the risks of dehydration.

The vertical, and difficult nature of the climb meant the team had to economise on their rations, and to keep the weight as low as was safely possible. They had one litre of water per day each, and planned their climb so that they could make maximum use of the shade. Suppers consisted of 90 grams of tuna, and one bagel, and breakfasts and lunches were a small powerbar each. At night they shared one sleeping bag to cut down on weight.

Whilst making their descent, the pair came across two walking parties who had become stranded by darkness as night fell, and were attempting to find their way by camera flash light. In an unexpected twist to their adventure they ended up assisting both charity and their fellow climbers!

Rachel and Jeremy now plan to better the record on another big climb for charity next year.

Those wishing to help 'build' The Refuge by pledging a donation are able to do so by visiting www.kelseyadventures.co.uk/climbforlife or phoning the relevant trustee, Cherith Arnold, on 01873 830711.