AN INTREPID Worcester soldier has conquered the highest mountain in South America as part of a world record-breaking challenge.
Nick Davenport has joined a team who were taking on the ‘Adaptive Grand Slam’ – a series of expeditions which sees people with severe injuries and amputations use alternative methods and techniques to take on the world’s most challenging mountains.
Only 11 people have ever completed the grand slam which involves climbing to the highest peak on each of the seven continents, as well as reaching both the North and South poles by foot unassisted.
If Nick and the team climb the world’s seven highest summits, four of which they’ve completed so far, they will become the first disabled team in the world to have done so.
The 34-year-old joined the team, made-up of ex-serviceman living with various disabilities after being injured during their time in the military, as they embarked on conquering the highest summit outside of the Himalayas, Mt Aconcagua in Argentina.
“My connection to the team is through a close friend Terry Byrne who I served alongside in the Parachute Regiment,” Nick said.
“Terry was injured during our 2008 tour in Helmand Afghanistan, losing a leg and part of his right hand.
“Joining the team on this leg of the mission was a true privilege made all the more personal by having the opportunity to take on another challenge alongside Terry.
Nick and the team set off for South America on January 6 where they then spent a couple of days sorting out kit before acclimatizing at Camp Confluensa, some 3800 metres above sea level.
The team then headed off for the base camp which saw them embark on a 6.5 hour trek of 18km in 25 to 30 degrees of unrelenting heat.
“This was one the hardest days of the whole expedition and really took it out of us,” he said.
“I knew I would be tested both mentally and physically and it’s very hard to truly prepare for the challenges this mountain offers.
“We spend a week acclimatizing, trekking up through the higher camps, feeling the increasing effects of altitude, headaches and nausea became routine.
The chance of bad weather then changed the team’s plans, and summit day which was planned for January 25, was brought forward six days.
He said: “On minimal food and sleep the team stepped off on what would turn out to be one of the toughest days I have ever encountered.
“As well as battling with the cold, every breath becomes harder and harder with each step.
“Climbing higher the terrain gets a lot steeper until ice axes are needed to scale the area directly below the summit.”
After seven hours of climbing the mountain Nick and the team reached the summit of Aconcagua – 6961 metres above sea level.
“Reaching the summit there was a huge sense of relief, elation but also apprehension knowing that we still needed to get ourselves down taking four hours to reach Camp 3,” Nick added.
“The strength and determination of the injured team members was unbelievable and truly inspiring.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to experience this challenge and summit with such an inspirational group of individuals – and the sponsorship from my employers, support of my girlfriend, Helen, friends and family.”
