Scouts on Top of the World

Scouts fulfil 10-year dream to conquer Everest

A group of Hampshire mountaineers have become the first ever Scout group to conquer Mount Everest. The five intrepid climbers put the cap on a decade of planning and fundraising for the once-in-a-lifetime expedition. Their historic climb of the world's highest peak was a perfect way of marking Scouting's centenary year.

Leader of the Sky High Climb team Nathan Figg, a 32 year-old satellite technician from Alton, said: "This has been the ultimate challenge in Scouting's 100th year. We've spent an amazing ten years to prepare for this immense challenge.

"It has been a lot of hard work and a great challenge and we are thrilled to have made it."

Team member Dave King, a 23-year-old marine engineer from Southampton, told how he had shed a tear of emotion as they reached the summit.

He said: "We have conquered one of the world's toughest challenges in Scouting's Centenary year and what a great way to mark the occasion.

"It's taken a lot of time and hard work to get out here but it has all been worth it."

A scout can do anything if they put their mind to it. From the scout promise: "I promise to do my best" and for cubs "scouts never give in to themselves". How true in this fantastic achievement !

Musca.