A GROUP of intrepid Grove House supporters are planning a once-in-a-lifetime challenge this summer by scaling Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, to raise money for the hospice.

Joining the team will be Deputy Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Beric Read who, as well as his civic duties, enjoys mountain trekking, which he does to raise funds for charity every few years. He recently walked the 180-mile Hertfordshire Way and is now getting into shape for the climb in July.

Beric said: “This is a particularly exciting time at Grove House as they join forces with Iain Rennie Hospice at Home to provide even more specialist care to more people across the region.”

Another member of the team, Dick Owen, has an affinity with high places. Born and bred in Snowdonia, he has scaled the Welsh peaks countless times and recently completed the Three Peaks Challenge as well as trekking in Nepal.

Dick explained: “Grove House is a wonderful charity, I am aiming to raise a generous amount for the hospice. I am 60 this year and I’m determined to pack in as much as I can and to attempt to climb Mont Blanc for a very worthwhile cause will surely be the climax!”

Tom Evans, who also joins the group, has always wanted a challenge, and said: “This seem like the perfect opportunity to have a fantastic adventure as well as putting something back. This is going to be a huge challenge for me but I really want to raise as much as possible for the hospice.”

Martin Ferguson has good reason to live life to the full as he celebrates surviving 10 years since his own diagnosis of advanced skin cancer. “Not only have I experienced the tremendous support that Grove House can provide myself, the hospice also helped my good friend Ian West who died from pancreatic cancer a few years ago. I am going to complete this climb in his memory,” he said.

“I hope people will be generous in their sponsorship so that many others will benefit from Grove House services.”

The guided expedition will set out on Saturday, July 2, and take just six days. To support the climbers and find out about their individual Just Giving pages, give Grove House a call and speak to Sinead on 01727 731002.

The hospice is happy to hear from anyone who would like to take up a challenge and raise money to help continue to provide vital support to local people living with life-limiting illness. Visit the website www.grove-house.org.uk or call Sinead on the number above.