In conclusion Journey's End & Summit Day (Day 15)

Ray 's adventure has come to an end - I know this trip was hard and at times he struggled with homesickness.  Up on the mountain the cold and strain on his body was difficult but having a team to lean on and chat to was everything. He spoke so much of the kindness and friendships between the team. He also took a booklet of 'Messages from Home' and allowed himself the pleasure of reading one or two pages a day. He said many times he was in tears as he read how much support and love he had. Ray's campaign to raise funds and awareness for the Sunflower Fund has been close to his heart and he has been overwhelmed with the generosity.  The target was to reach the same in money as the height of Mt Aconcagua 6962 m or 22840 feet therefore R22840. Even though he never reached the summit he did succeed in his campaign. We are elated! This means almost 10 new people will be able to register on the Bone Marrow Registry in South Africa. If you would like to consider becoming a blood stem cell donor for more information visit the web page of the Sunflower Fund. www.sunflowerfund.org.za #iamhope

The team

We wanted to close off this blog on a huge high. The two remaining climbers together with team leader Alex Harris from Xplore started their grueling zig-zaging climb up the slopes towards the summit. The weather wasn't initially on their side and not looking good for a summit attempt - the wind was howling and others were advising them to turn around. I think there were a few silent prayers going up because the weather cleared and they could take those final steps and arrive on the roof of South America. At that moment they were almost surely
the highest people on the planet - Mt Aconcagua is the highest peak outside of the Himalayas but its not climbing season there.

Then there were 3. The summit team. 

I can only imagine it must have been an euphoric feeling arriving at this extreme high point. Marius Vermaak, Lauren Fouche and Alex Harris did it! emotions sprung out like ripples around the world to all the rest of the team members who were waiting anxiously  to receive news of this achievement as they were all up there with them in spirit.  They returned safely after a long long hike out. We cannot congratulate them enough as this is a hard and difficult climb. Many many thanks to everyone for your prayers and support around the world.

Alex Lauren Marius reach the summit!

And as for Ray's next adventure......for those that know him well will know there will be another 'something' adventure just around the corner. So watch out for the news......

"The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams." Oprah Winfrey