The 16th June provided the culmination of months of hard work for a group of 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron cadets as they set out to climb the highest mountain in the world...with a slight twist.
The goal was to climb the vertical equivalent of Everest Base Camp to the summit of Mount Everest from the safety of RAF Linton-on-Ouse, using the mobile climbing tower and indoor climbing wall. This equated to a vertical height of over 3000m or just under 400 ascents of the wall!
Prior to the event cadets had been obtaining sponsorship from friends and family with the aim of collectively raising over £500 to purchase climbing equipment. This would facilitate the Squadron’s qualified climbing instructors: Sgt (ATC) Scott Watson and Sgt (ATC) Luke Dowling, delivering the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) syllabus to 1224 and other local squadrons. The cadets were given several training sessions before the event at our local climbing wall where many realised they had a knack for indoor climbing and were eager to develop after the event had passed.
We completed the climb in six hours with some very tired arms and proud cadets. The day was also host to North Region’s Regional Training Day and with help from the Regional Adventure Training Technical Officer, Squadron Leader Tony Staincliffe RAFVR(T) and climbing instructor in training, Cadet Warrant Officer Tom Smith, we were also able to provide climbing for cadets across the region as they waited between activities.
Cadet Laura Pennington prepares for her climb
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