An intrepid Perthshire climber is hoping to scale western Europe’s highest mountain in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Morgan Sinclair (35), from Murthly, will fulfil a life-long ambition when he sets off for Mont Blanc next month.
As a boy Morgan and his friend Stuart Campbell, from Balbeggie, drew up a plan to climb the 4810m peak and ski back down.
Tragically, Stuart was killed in 1999 while climbing in the Highlands, but Morgan was determined to undertake the challenge in memory of his friend.
Joined by ex-colleague John Scott, from Fochabers, the former Perth Academy pupil will jet off to the Alps in mid-May.
The route will see them climb a bare rockface on the west side of the mountain, which could take up to four days.
After reaching the summit they will ski down Mont Blanc’s mighty Himalayan face which has sections as steep as 55 degrees.
Although both are experienced in outdoor pursuits, the pair will be led by expert Alpine guide Jeff Banks.
Morgan’s mum Elma told The Courier her son has been training hard to be at his physical peak.
A coil tubing engineer for oil firm Halliburton, he is working in Kazakhstan.
Elma said, “Morgan spent all his free time over the winter in the French resort of Chamonix familiarising himself with the conditions and the effects of altitude.Excited”It’s something he has wanted to do since school and now the time has finally come he is pretty excited.”
She added, “I’m so proud of him. When Stuart died I wasn’t sure if he would ever do it but he became even more determined.
“He and John hatched a plan to do it for Macmillan Cancer Support after meeting one day on the slopes at the Cairngorms.
“Both of them have seen relatives affected by cancer and the Macmillan nurses helped a great deal.”
Elma added that she and her husband Garry would fly to Geneva to wave the pair off on May 15.
She said, “I’m a bit anxious about it all but Morgan keeps assuring me he is an experienced mountaineer.
“It will be great to welcome them back after completing such a challenge.”
The duo have raised £2500 but they are hoping to reach £5000 in the next three weeks.
John’s employers BP have promised to match the amount, which will hopefully bring the total to around £10,000.
They have also been provided with equipment by RAB Outdoor Clothing and the Ski Club Of Great Britain.
To contribute visit www.justgiving.com/Mont-Blanc2010.