The view from the top

Published 8 Apr 2010 09:46 0 Comments

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Cold snap grips area

By Jennifer Black

A climber tackled South America's highest mountain and raised £74,000 for charity.

Paul Doherty, from Bishopton, was one of 13 fundraisers who scaled Mount Aconcagua in aid of leukaemia charity, The Anthony Nolan Trust.

He overcame extreme weather conditions, severe altitude sickness and climbed 6,962 metres during the three week challenge.

Paul, a director at Drum Property Group, said: "We suffered sweltering heat in the foothills, bitter cold up the mountain, and even endured snow and lightning storms.

"The kindness of everyone who has donated to The Anthony Nolan Trust made it all worthwhile, though."

The dedicated fundraiser has taken part in a number of exciting challenges in the last 12 years.

He has hiked the Atlas mountains, cycled across Mexico, and hike the Himalayas, so climbing Aconcagua was the next obvious trip.

He said: "There are a group of us who like to set a bigger challenge each time and Mount Aconcagua is up there as one of the toughest mountains to take on.

"It is the tallest peak in all of the Americas and the world's highest mountain outside the Himalayas.

"It was a truly unforgettable experience for me, and certainly one which is going to be difficult to trump next time out. "

Paul got involved with The Anthony Nolan Trust after the daughter of a neighbour and close friend, Johanna McVicker, was diagnosed with leukaemia.

He said: "Sadly, she passed away four years ago, but I saw how The Anthony Nolan Trust and the family worked together to help her through some very difficult times.

"I will continue to do whatever I can to assist its vital life saving work."

Victoria Moffett, communications officer at The Anthony Nolan Trust, added: "Our charity manages and recruits to the UK's most successful bone marrow register, but we are an independent charity, so we rely on support from individuals and companies to be able to continue our lifesaving work.

"Paul has raised an incredible amount, which will make a significant difference to us. "

If you'd like to take part in a fundraising adventure for The Anthony Nolan Trust, visit www.anthonynolan.org.uk or call 0303 303 0303.

This article appeared in The Gazette 07 Apr 10

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