Alpine Challenge helps the Heroes

May 5, 2010 - PRLog -- If your idea of exercise is training to watch the whole of the London Marathon on your television without a break, then spare a thought for Produce World’s action man, group agriculture director Andrew Burgess. He has just returned triumphant after completing the awe inspiring Haute Route Tour, which is arguably the toughest ski tour in the world!

A keen climber and mountaineer, Andrew climbed Mont Blanc in 2007, but it was on a ski trip in 2009 when he noticed a group of people disappearing up the mountains with skis on their backs. After making enquiries he discovered this classic challenge across the Alps which covers a distance of 120k and over 8000 metres of ascents and descents.

Andrew teamed up with Geoff Warrener and they began training in June 2009. Although Andrew was originally going to compete it for his own personal satisfaction, several people asked what charity he was supporting, so he decided to raise money for Help the Heroes.

The training was extremely challenging and it didn’t help matters when Andrew had a mishap during training. He explained: “Just weeks before we were due to set off, I fell 20 metres down the Chardonnay Glacier which genuinely frightened me. I had to remain totally focused and use the full force of my inner strength to overcome my anxieties for the challenge ahead.”

Geoff was a relative newcomer to mountaineering and they had to give each other confidence to overcome the physical and mental challenges. Although the Col du Passon was daunting, the biggest challenge was the Col de Serpentine which is a long climb on skis and one slip could have sent them over an ice cliff!
Now safely back home, Andrew has raised almost £10k for Help for Heroes and further donations can be made on-line by visiting www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Burgess to help Andrew achieve his target of £20k.

When asked the question, “would you do it again?” he smiled and said “Probably not the same challenge, but I am really glad that I did the Haute Route Tour. It has proven to me that I have the mental strength to overcome any fears and it has given me so much confidence and self assurance, I believe I am a better person for it. The feeling after reaching each summit or Col was fantastic, but it really makes you appreciate the small but important things in life, your family and friends.”

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Editor’s Notes
High resolution photos available on request

For further media information
Colin Caldicott, Ultimedia PR,
Tel: 01767 601470 e-mail: colin@ultimediapr.co.uk

For further quotes
Andrew Burgess, Group Agriculture Director, Produce World
Tel: 01733 240 253 Mob: 07850 569 644 e-mail: Andrew.Burgess@produceworld.co.uk
Station Bridge, Yaxley Peterborough PE7 3EL