Another day in Paradiso

TEAM effort . . . the lads pull together on their latest daring challenge

Adrenalin junkies rise to latest challenge
Most people would call it quits after jumping out of a plane at 14,000ft, but for Uppermill adrenalin junkie Chris Gaynon, it was just the beginning.

The ex-Saddleworth School pupil has now made it to the summit of Italy’s tallest mountain as part of a local trio of daring explorers in support of children’s charity MedEquip4Kids.

Chris Gaynon (22) joined forces with workmates Karl Bamford and Gary Scott and spent the last year in training in a bid to tackle the 13,323ft Gran Paradiso.

It was a 4.30am start for the group, who all work at Monlycke Healthcare in Oldham, and a day that would challenge them both mentally and physically.

Chris said: “It was dark for the first part of the ascent so head torches and severe caution were required — one foot out of place could make the difference between success and tragedy.

“We had to cross around half-a-dozen what appeared to be bottomless crevasses, some we had to jump over.

“It was crazy, it just looked black and you were constantly worried you would fall down.

“The mountain seemed to carry on and on and you have to dig down inside to get that energy — with every step it gets tougher and tougher.”

The team, who warmed up for the trip by climbing Snowdonia, made it to snow-capped peak at noon, but missed out epic views due to heavy cloud.

Chris said: “It was a bit of a let-down, you could just see the odd peaks when the clouds parted.

“The satisfaction of making it to the top and the fact that we were doing it for the children’s charity felt amazing. It was such a sense of accomplishment.”

Rachel Allen, from the charity who provide specialist medical equipment for children and babies, said: “It’s definitely no easy feat getting to the top and we are extremely grateful for all that the lads have put into the challenge.

“They said it was incredibly difficult but it was without a doubt worthwhile and will make a difference to local children.”

The charity’s latest project at the Royal Oldham Hospital saw monitors installed for babies born with jaundice.

To donate to the cause visit www.justgiving.com/ gparadiso.