A MOUNTAIN rescue volunteer is set to take on the highest peak in the European Union for charity.
Nia Jenkins, 27, is currently training for the experience of a lifetime as she hopes to tackle Mont Blanc later this year to raise money for Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team.
The ‘White Mountain’, the tallest in the Alps and the highest in Europe west of Russia’s Caucasus peaks, is a formidable challenge for any climber but one that Nia will face this September, without any friends or family to support her.
Nia, who signed up for the Aberglaslyn Team two years ago and currently lives in Port Dinorwic, is no stranger to hardship however.
“I’ve previously climbed Kilimanjaro – at 5,895m – and reached Everest Base Camp at 5,364m,” she explained.
“Mont Blanc is at a height of 4,810m but it will be the most technical mountain that I’ve done.
“I’ll be out there for 10 days.
“Me, a guide and a small group of about five people I’ve not met before will spend a few days acclimatising and summiting peaks over 3,000m.
“We also spend a couple of days training with ice climbing and winter gear and then head for the summit when the window of opportunity arises!”
The 27-year-old, who works as TV assistant producer ‘in real life’, has already raised over £400 for her mountain rescue team but hopes to raise as much as possible.
“Thank you very much to everyone who’s donated so far, I can’t wait to get started.”
For more information, or to donate, please visit www.charitychoice.co.uk/fundraiser/niajenkins/mont-blanc-expedition
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