SCAFELL PIKE 'TOPPED'

The highest mountain in England finally to succumbed to the second of Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges at 3.30pm on the 15th July. We'd been walking for some five and half hours in 30 degrees plus of sweltering heat.

Thinking back to October / November last year when I could barely walk ten to 15 paces this is a remarkable turned around. I cannot thank the surgical teams at Newcross Hospital and the Heart Care Rehabiltation Charity enough for their part in my continued recovery and quest for fitness.

My daughter Jess proved just what a fit little mountain goat she is skipping her way up the mountain without a second thought. Not having walked up mountains before my big sister Joyce is certainly proving that its never too late for your own challenge. Having scaled Snowdon she duly polished off Scafell Pike... even managing some scrambling in the process. John advanced onwards despite his shoe and sole parting company. Astonishingly duck tape provided a more than adequate fix on the return journey.

Like the ascent of Snowdon we were blessed with glorious weather and vistas. It was tough going in these conditions with some 3600 feet of ascent and 16.2 miles distance travelled on a circular route. We finally reached Seathwaite - our starting point at around half seven in the evening with the sun still shining and the air warm. We were desperate for water having understimated just how much we might have needed and had become dehydrated over the final miles back down into the valley. Nonetheless nothing could dampen the spirits and the real sense of achievement in this challenge. We swiftly evacuated to Keswick for some well earned refreshment!

My appreciation goes out to all those who accompanied me on this trip and once again to Simon and Adam who took care of the planning, safety, route finding and importantly the well-being of the party.

More pictures to follow