Hike up Ben Nevis for Great Ormond Street Hospital June 2014 (Guest Blog by Derick Attwood)

Please join us (Derick & Barbara) in our fund raising event for GOSH. If you’ve never hiked before, you have nine months to get fit. Take the challenge! 

Our granddaughter, Yasmin, was diagnosed with A.L.L. (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia) last July.  Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the staff at GOSH she is on the way to recovery. GOSH helps sick children from all over the world. They need to raise £50 million per year to carry out their pioneering research, to provide world-class care for a range of complex illnesses, and to keep facilities up to date. If you are unable to join us on Ben Nevis, please donate on our just giving site. Our daughter Karen set up a blog detailing how her family copes with a child having a serious illness. You can read it here. 

To hike up Ben Nevis a ‘reasonable’ level of fitness is required for the ascent, but it’s not going to be a route march – unless you want it to be!  A small group of us did the hike in June 2009. It took us over 10 hours, probably 6 up and 4 down. We stopped frequently to take photos, for water breaks and lunch. On the day we did it, the temperature reached 27 degrees Celsius. Snow lay on the ground on the top and it was quite misty, which is normal for the summit.  

It is not a dangerous walk. We will be taking the 'tourist path' up the mountain. But it is a long hard slog so, as stated above, you need to be fit. Although the weather can be warm at the beginning of the hike, it becomes cold as you reach the summit. Care needs to be taken walking on the snow. 

Essentials are: strong hiking boots, a weather-proof anorak and gloves, hat and a warm jumper/fleece for when we reach the snow line at the top. Hiking poles are recommended, especially for the descent.  Please look at the link below which gives brief info and photos of the path itself to understand the challenge of Ben Nevis. 

Ben Nevis Hike 

The hike will take place in the first two weeks of June 2014. The exact date to be arranged. Please state preferences for dates and we will go with the majority. 

You can make your own travel arrangements and book your own accommodation. There are numerous hotels, hostels and campsites in Fort William, the nearest town to Ben Nevis. 

Alternatively, we are combining the hike up Ben Nevis with a short holiday in Scotland, based in a hotel near Fort William, and travelling with one of the major coach/holiday companies. This will allow non-hikers – who are welcome to support us – to participate in the fund raising event without breaking sweat!  

The trip will be for 4 days, departing from Widnes/Runcorn. The cost will be approx. £250 per person. This includes travel, bed breakfast and evening meal, with two day trips around Scotland. We will expect each participant – whether hiking or not – to raise a minimum of £50 for the hospital. 

Here are our Facebook photos of us on Ben Nevis, which give an idea of the misty summit. 

Facebook photos 

If you are interested in joining us on this worthy adventure, please let us know as soon as possible. If you intend joining us by coach, a deposit will be required when we book your place. If you could let us know by email it would be appreciated, put Ben Nevis as the subject reference. 

Please make the effort – get fit – and join us! 

Derick and Barbara 

Email:  derickattwood@hotmail.com  

You agree when you sign up for this event that you have read and understand the below. 
If you join us for a hike please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear. 
Derick Attwood does not provide liability insurance for the protection of individuals who may participate in the event. This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes, all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. 
Your attendance on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. By signing up for this group or event you understand that you are attending all events AT YOUR OWN RISK. Organizers and Assistant Organizers of this group are just that, we organize the events and hike together as friends. There are no leaders on these hikes, you are your own leader- This is YOUR hike.