The BMC’s link to parliament Greg Mulholland MP has successfully climbed a nearly 6,000 metre-high active volcano in Ecuador to raise money for a soldier’s treatment centre.

Despite bad weather conditions the Leeds North West MP became the only one of three politicians taking part in the expedition to reach the summit of the 5,896 metre (19,347 feet) high Cotopaxi in Ecuador.

It was part of the Battle Back Cotopaxi Expedition, an effort to raise £10,000 for a Royal British Legion treatment facility for wounded, injured and sick service personnel by linking MPs with active and veteran soldiers in a bid to climb Ecuador’s second highest mountain.

Greg is the BMC’s link to Westminster through Sport England’s parliamentary sports fellowship scheme. Former BMC parliamentary sports fellow John Mann, MP for Bassetlaw, also took part in the expedition, along with Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch.

The ascent was very heavy going, with only 7 members of the 12 strong team pushing on to the summit. The team set off at 11pm on Saturday night (local time) and spent 15 hours climbing the mountain.

Greg said: “After climbing Cotopaxi, I was absolutely shattered and in need of a hot bath! The climb was very heavy going and the incessant steep slopes were gruelling- this was ultimately the toughest physical challenge I have ever done.

“This is the first expedition from the Battle Back Centre and it is incredible that as a team we were successful in summiting Cotopaxi. This is a remarkable achievement for the serving soldiers and veterans, Lyndon, Luke and Paul, who have all been through the Battle Back Centre, and it has been fascinating and humbling working with them.”

Greg also thanked team leader Dave Bunting, Carnegie Great Outdoors in Leeds and the team’s Ecuadorian Jagged Globe Guides, Jaime and Diego, for their help in planning and carrying out the expedition.

You can still donate to the expedition by visiting its JustGiving site or sending cheques payable to The Royal British Legion to the office of Greg Mulholland MP, Wainwright House, 12 Holt Park Centre, Holt Road, Leeds, LS16 7SR.

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