Adventurers faced fundraising dramas

THREE adventurers have told of the dramas that struck when they attempted two gruelling expeditions raising over £10,000 for Help for Heroes.

Rich Bridle and Rob Wheeler, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro while Rob's son, Dan, an RAF firefighter, attempted to trek across the Sahara Desert.

Unfortunately 28-year-old Dan, who initially planned to climb Kilimanjaro but was posted to Afghanistan, was pulled out of the Sahara, after most of his group suffered dysentery.

He will be re-attempting the trip in October after his return from Afghanistan.

His 53-year-old dad Rob, and close friend, 28-year-old Rich, had far more luck scaling Africa's highest peak, but it wasn't all plain sailing.

"It was the most difficult thing I think I have ever had to do in my life. I had to reach my limit and beyond to get to the top," said Rob, a carpenter from Tavistock.

He explained that the group trekked for four days and then had a brief sleep before a seven hour hike to the summit, overnight. The climbing buddies successfully reached the top together at 7.30am local time.

But then disaster struck. Rich, who helps run the Thistle Park Tavern, said: "On the way back down I collapsed and was struggling for breath. I was rushed down the mountain and given a full medical check up to rule out fluid on the lungs.

"Fortunately I was given the all clear but it's odd how altitude can effect you. It certainly made me thankful that I had reached the summit before any problems."

He added: "The views were incredible at the top and the feeling of achievement was overwhelming. Walking through the night in conditions reaching -18c was certainly draining, not only physically but also trying to break your own mental barriers."

He added that their group raised a total of over £100,000 for Help for Heroes.

"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone that donated to this worthwhile cause, especially the regulars at the Thistle Park Tavern and all involved with South Hams Brewery for the support they have shown," said Rich.

Rob, who is self employed, sent out a special thank you to his customers from among whom he raised most of his funds.

Rich added: "Would I do it again? I don't think I could."