Our Journey

Join Our Epic Adventure: Conquering the Seven Summits!

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey across the globe? Our team is on a thrilling mission to scale the highest peak on each of the seven continents, and we want you to be part of this exhilarating quest!

Our Mission:

From the icy expanses of Antarctica's Mount Vinson to the rugged terrains of Asia's Mount Everest, we're tackling the world's most formidable summits. Each climb presents unique challenges, testing our grit, determination, and teamwork. But with every ascent, we grow stronger, more resilient, and more united.

Why Follow Our Journey?

  • Experience the Adventure: Through stunning visuals and captivating stories, you'll feel the adrenaline of each climb and the serenity of standing atop the world's highest points.

  • Witness Unwavering Determination: See firsthand how our team overcomes obstacles, adapts to harsh environments, and pushes beyond limits to achieve the extraordinary.

  • Be Inspired: Our journey is a testament to human spirit and perseverance. Whether you're an aspiring adventurer or someone seeking motivation in daily life, our story will ignite your passion to pursue your own dreams.

Get Involved:

  • Stay Updated: Follow our blog for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, and personal reflections from team members.

  • Engage with Us: Join our community on social media, share your thoughts, ask questions, and cheer us on as we progress from one summit to the next.

  • Support the Cause: Learn about what we're championing through our climbs and find out how you can contribute.

This isn't just our adventure—it's yours too. Together, let's reach new heights and celebrate the incredible journey of conquering the Seven Summits!

Personal Bio’s

Dicky

Name: Richard Hughes

Nickname: Dicky

Regiment: REME - Electronic Technician

Years of service: 7

Climbing background: MLT, Winter Mountaineering (Mil Course), Alpine Multi-Pitch

Reason for joining C2R: Sub talar ankle fusion

My name is Richard Hughes and I served for ~7 years in the REME as an Electronic Technician, with 4 years spent at 5 Royal Artillery Workshop. I gained a lot of experience through AT (Adventurous Training) & Sport working with some amazing tri-service coaches and instructors during my time in the military, this reinforced my passion and appreciation of the mental and physical benefits associated with team focused sport and activities.

Following my ankle injury in Jan 2017, I was medically discharged in Nov 2019.  I went through a series of surgeries, where I was constantly in rehab prior to the recommendation for ankle fusion. During this time I was ineligible for promotion and unable to participate in any sports and adventurous activities  which took a toll on my mental health. It became obvious to me how detrimental it can be to mental health when you have no access to the benefits associated with physical activity.

After leaving the Army I completed an MBA, then joined an INGO managing the clearance of UXO in Southeast Asia. I’m currently a PhD Researcher working in collaboration with Bangor University and First Hydro in North Wales

Geordie

Name: Chris Braun

Nickname: Geordie

Regiment: The Royal Engineers

Years of service: 11

Climbing background: RCI, ML, co-Regional Coordinator Northern Region

Reason for joining C2R: Crohn’s and colitis Disease.

Former Corporal within the Royal Engineers from County Durham. I served on various construction and operational tours including: Afghanistan, Belize, Kenya, Germany and UK.  I was medically discharged following an 11-year career due to developing a lifelong condition, Crohns and Colitis a type of inflammatory bowel disease whilst on a construction tour in Belize 2008.  In 2012 I had major abdominal surgery to remove the worst affected sections of my bowel and was later medically discharged in 2013. 

Following lengthy periods of medication, I am pleased to say my Crohns Disease is well managed and I am now medication-free.  I find Climbing and mountaineering beneficial to stress relief and stabilisation of my condition as Crohn’s disease has direct links to stress.

I joined Climb 2 Recovery in 2022 and have since qualified as a rock-climbing instructor and mountain leader. I also volunteer as the co-regional co-ordinator for the North of England alongside Ian Fox, organising local climbing and mountaineering events.

Speedy

Name: Andrew Speed

Nickname: Speedy

Regiment: 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment

Years of service: 28

Climbing background: RCI, ML

Reason for joining C2R: Lower Limb Amputation

My name is Andy Speed, I served for 28 years in the Parachute Regiment, I have deployed on 22 operational tours including Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone again for the Royal Irish hostage rescue, Iraq, and multiple deployments to Afghanistan. 

I was injured in 2012 and spent the next 7 years having 12 unsuccessful operations culminating in a below-knee amputation of my right leg in June 2019.

After several months of coping with the initial side effects from the operation, I was very keen to prove to myself and others that this was not going to hold me back.  I heard about Climb2Recovery in March 2020 and have gone from strength to strength ever since.  My skills have slowly grown, culminating in passing the RCI and completing my ML Training in 2023.  I am always pushing myself for bigger and harder adventures, the 7 Summits will be a penultimate accolade for our team, a dream that will hopefully be brought to reality. 

Over my 28-year tenure within the military I have witnessed and advised many individuals with mental health issues, I continue to see the side effects from traumatic experiences through my time with the climbing veterans charity, ‘Climb2Recovery’ of which I am also one of the directors, It is very humbling to think that our efforts now could have a beneficial effect on others in the future.