Hove adventurer to scale 'Mountain of Death' Aconcagua for charity
Video report by ITV News Meridian's Charlotte Wilkins
A serial adventurer from East Sussex is preparing for his next challenge, to scale the Argentinian mountain of Aconcagua.
Sam Weber, 49, from Hove, has already lived with a tribe in the Amazon Rainforest and scaled the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro.
The mountain Aconcagua was once sacred to the Incas and is nearly 7,000 metres high, which makes it the highest peak outside of Asia.
It is believed to have the highest death rate of any mountain in South America, which has earned it the daunting nickname 'Mountain of Death'.
Sam said: "Aconcagua is a tough one, only 30% of attempts on the summit are successful.
"One of the major challenges for me will be the weather. You can’t train for the cold and the lowest I’ve endured is -12C with wind chill!
"But there’s something magical about reaching a summit. It’s in the human DNA – from Devil’s Dyke to Kilimanjaro, it is quite magical."
Image courtesy of: Iantaylortrekking.com
Any attempted ascent has to be planned meticulously and any would-be climber must be physically and mentally ready for the formidable challenge.
Sam has been training for more than six months and is now beginning the process of acclimatization to the altitude as well as the extreme weather which is what makes Aconcagua extra demanding on the mountaineers who attempt the ascent.
Covid has delayed Sam’s trip by two years and has put added pressure on his training regime.
But with support from his wife and personal trainer Natasha, a six-month fitness programme devised by former Paratrooper PT Lee Strange and regular 25km walks on the South Downs carrying a 32kg pack, have all combined to ensure Sam is in top form for his challenge.
Sam’s passion for testing himself to the limit started seven years ago with a Tough Mudder event and then the Three Peaks Challenge.
He graduated to Kilimanjaro and then to a 16-day survival course in the Amazon where he lived with an indigenous tribe and learned from their expert knowledge of the jungle.
Every adventure is self-funded but Sam enjoys sharing his success and uses his challenges to raise money for charity.
The Aconcagua attempt will support the Chailey Heritage Foundation, whose work with children and young people with extreme physical and learning challenges hasinspired Sam.
Will Folkes, Chailey Heritage Foundation's Fundraising Manager said: "We are so excited to be a part of Sam’s epic adventure!
"Every year we encourage hundreds of our supporters to sign up for a challenge.
"This year we’ve got places at the Brighton Half Marathon, Bungee Jumping and Skydiving – all our events will inspire the participants and change young lives at CHF. We wish Sam every success and a safe ascent."