Duo scales new heights to beat cancer

Managing director of Rapierstar David Furness and his financial and operations director colleague Scott Rogers have completed a demanding two-day trek up Mount Toubkal in Morocco to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Driven by the sad loss to cancer earlier this year of their good friend and Rapierstar company accountant Jonathan Curwen, David and Scott trekked in unseasonably deep snow and blizzard conditions to a height of 4,000m close to the peak of Mount Toubkal, north Africa’s highest peak.

David said: “This trek was an amazing experience but certainly tougher than we’d envisaged. We wanted to do it for Jonathan who was a healthy, talented and positive 42-year-old professional when he suddenly had to bravely battle his cancer diagnosis. Sadly, he was lost to his loving wife and young family this summer.

“It was hard and slow going with crampons and ice axes required, but thankfully our Berber guide navigated us safely up to the top ridge at 4,000m and only 65% oxygen levels. Extreme weather conditions meant all the Berber guides denied access beyond the ridge, as it was simply too dangerous to attempt the very summit, with winds over 70mph, minus -27ºC wind chill, almost no visibility, and freezing snowfall.

“Our return down was even more hazardous, regularly falling and sliding in the now waist deep snow. Exhausted but elated, we all agreed that the experience was not to be forgotten. I’d like to thank everyone who has so kindly donated already and should anyone else wish to donate, please visit out Just Giving page.”

David and Scott are 80% of the way towards their fundraising target, and are still welcoming donations via www.justgiving.com/rapierstar.