Back in July, TLW Solicitors were delighted to support and sponsor local businessman and physiotherapist, Ross Tomkins’ quest to climb Europe’s highest mountain, Mount Elbrus in Russia.
Ross successfully summited the mountain on 3rd August, after a gruelling 9 days clocking up 53 miles and 6126 metres of ascent during the acclimatisation walks and final summit day. We caught up with Ross after he returned home to find out more about his adventure. He explained his thoughts when he first saw Mount Elbrus:
“I felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension, as even so far away you could see the wind was ferocious at the summit.”
Reflecting on the highlight of the climb, Ross said:
“Summit day was epic; one of my favourite moments of any climb I have been on was watching sunrise from above the clouds. It was really special!”
The Challenges
+ −In terms of challenges, Ross also told us that he had prepared well mentally and physically, but the wind was stronger than his group had anticipated, and they had to make allowances for that. One day, Ross was blown off his feet and found himself sliding down the mountainside but was able to put his winter mountaineering skills into action and use an ice axe to stop himself and get back to the group.
Grateful for the support he has received, Ross told us:
“I’ve been blown away by the support and humbled by the donations received from people I haven’t even met. Thank you to everyone”.
Ross is continuing to raise money for the Heel and Toe Charity, providing free therapy for children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities. We asked him what inspired him to raise money for this charity in particular:
“As a physiotherapist myself I find the work Heel and Toe do inspiring. They are the real stars, literally changing children’s lives every day.”
Future Endeavours
+ −Ross, founder and Managing Director of Newcastle based Therapy Direct Healthcare, doesn’t plan to sit still for long. He is running in this year’s Great North Run and is already planning another mountain expedition. He wants to climb the tallest peak in each of the seven continents.
Having now achieved two, Aconcagua in South America is next on the list. Looking ahead Ross said: “Standing just below 7000m, it’s the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas but not quite as technical as Mount Elbrus”.
Commenting on Ross’ achievement
+ −TLW Partner, Peter McKenna said:
“We were delighted to be able to support Ross in some small way in this amazing feat. We followed his climb on social media every day and were delighted when Ross summited and then made it back down safely. It really was a very special effort in support of a very special charity, Heel and Toe.”
Everyone at TLW Solicitors congratulates Ross on his Mount Elbrus success and we wish him the best of luck for the Great North Run and his next climbing challenge.
You can support Ross through his Just Giving page.
