David Burns reached the summit of Western Europe’s highest mountain, at 4,805 metres, on 23rd September.
It was part of an alpine climbing challenge which included three days of acclimatisation and the ascent of Gran Paradiso at 4,061 metres before the summit push to Mont Blanc.
David is aiming to raise a total of £10,000 towards Variety, the Children’s Charity, which is one of Bellway’s national charity partners, and the Youth Adventure Trust. He has raised £7,565 to date. Bellway is matching the funds raised for Variety and is also donating up to £1,000 to the Youth Adventure Trust.
David said:
As a parent, I’m passionate about helping children reach their full potential, which is the driving force behind both these amazing organisations.
I’m elated to have reached the summit of Mont Blanc. The altitude and low oxygen levels made it both physically and mentally demanding, but it has been an incredible experience, and I’ve been inspired along the way by the thought of the children and young people who will benefit from the money being raised.
I’d like to thank family, friends and colleagues who have supported me, both by donating to the cause, but also for encouraging me during the training in the gym and up mountains in the UK as I prepared for the challenge. I’d also like to thank Bellway, which puts support for charities like this at the core of its business.
Variety, the Children’s Charity, provides vital support and specialist equipment for disabled and disadvantaged children. Bellway has pledged to raise funds for six specially adapted Sunshine Coaches for schools in regions where Bellway operates. The first Sunshine Coach was presented to a school in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, earlier in the year.
Lindsey Cape, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Variety, said:
Congratulations goes to David for reaching the summit of Mont Blanc and raising such a large amount for Variety and Youth Adventure Trust.
Support like this is vital for Variety's mission to ensure that every child is supported to reach their full potential. What an incredible challenge you have completed.
The Youth Adventure Trust builds resilience and confidence in vulnerable young people through outdoor adventure and mentorship.
Philippa Cox, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Youth Adventure Trust, said:
Huge congratulations to David for taking on an immense challenge. David demonstrated the exact resilience, grit, and determination that we strive to build in vulnerable young people facing their own mountains to climb.