Last year, John Moxon made a ‘peak time’ call to his girlfriend Emma from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.  His love of the outdoors will be taking him once again up another little hill called Aconcagua and he will be raising more than his blood pressure as he intends make sure that St Luke’s Hospice benefits from his expedition.

John is a Trainee Chartered Accountant with goodband viner taylor (gvt), chartered accountants and specialist business advisers of Kingfield Road, Sheffield.  He will be leaving Sheffield on 14^th December 2008 for a 4 week mountaineering expedition in the Argentinean Andes to attempt the summit of Aconcagua.

“We were all very proud of John when he ‘conquered’ Kilimanjaro last year, but this latest endeavour leaves us all in awe.  His team spirit I am sure will shine among his fellow climbers.  We wish him the very best of luck, and above all a safe return” says Mark Goodband, Managing Partner of gvt.

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the world outside of Asia. At 22,840ft (6,962m), it is the highest point in the Western and Southern Hemisphere and also the highest mountain in the Americas.

As part of an organised expedition with Sheffield company Jagged Globe, John will be attempting the Ruta Normal on Aconcagua which follows the North West ridge of the mountain. It will take roughly 3 weeks to climb, descend, and also to acclimatise on a nearby smaller peak (Bonete 15,200ft). The most strenuous section of the ascent is the infamous ‘Canaleta’ – a long steep gully filled with snow, ice and rock, with a 1,200ft altitude gain. It begins at just over 21,000 feet, so progress will be rather slow.

The success rate on Aconcagua is around 20-30%. John tells us “A friend of mine, who recently climbed on Mt Everest, has attempted Aconcagua twice and failed both times. Weather conditions play the most significant role in determining success. The team’s itinerary allows a weather window of 3 days at the highest camp to sit tight and wait for the right weather for the 12-15 hour slog to the summit. If it doesn’t come, we have to descend. Here’s hoping that we get to the top!” 

If you would like to sponsor John you can do so by visiting this website. www.justgiving.com/aconcaguadec08

Every single penny you give will go to St Luke’s – and don’t forget to gift aid it for the extra 28% provided by everyone’s favourite - Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. All donations most gratefully received.

www.gvt-sheffield.co.uk