It's all worthwhile.

I recieved this email a few days ago which the author has kindly let me share with you. It perfectly illustrates the reason we decided to take on this challenge from the outset.

Hi.

I think what you guys did was great, raising money and awareness and promoting the sport in itself as a way to break free from the stresses of daily life. Climbing for me has been such an important role in finding a focus with life and moving forward as well as gaining confidence, self belief and that sense of achievement and freedom.

I was diagnosed with leukemia 3 years ago now, and at the time had only been climbing for just under a year. Having had many goals in life and having them potentially crushed was devastating. At the time you feel limited, weak and it's hard to see a light. Once things were more under control, it had already been months and I had lost 10kg in weight and a lot of muscle. My brother and sister were keen climbers and would force me to come along just to get moving. It became a center point of my life, at first as a distraction and an escape, but now, as way of life. It has shown me that you can still achieve great things and that you can fight back. Exercise is great for the mind and being outdoors, for the spirit.

I had recovered faster than anyone previously at my hospital and have taken part in various medical trials to help others benefit. I had pushed for alternative ways of taking my medicine, Glivec, for those who find it hard to swallow or have problems with nausia and taste. Where previously it was taken alone with water, now it's accepted it can be taken with any juice except Grapefruit and can be taken with a meal, lets say with mashed potatoes to protect the taste and protect the stomach lining. Though still on medication, I manage to overcome most of the side effects, which prevent many people on it from taking part in sports and having an active lifestyle. Climbing is definately something that can get those people out of bed and doing something which makes them stronger and happier. If you fight, you can achieve things you didn't even know possible.