UKC

George Ullrich - Patagonia Expedition

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George Ullrich
George Ullrich, Peter Rhodes and Kinloch (Mason) Earl, will attempt the first free ascent of a new route on Cerro Catedral 10 in Torres del Paine, Patagonia in Chile, South America.

This route is an established Aid route which has only recently been repeated, and hasn't been climbed free.  The 1000 metre high wall is reputed to have some of the best granite in the area with countless possibilities for new lines.    

This six-week trip is also being undertaken in order to raise awareness of The Esther Benjamins Trust (EBT). EBT is a UK-registered charity leading the way in the rescue, rehabilitation and long-term residential care of the forgotten children of Nepal.  

George, 20, grew up in the Lake District and has been climbing for 10 years after being introduced to the sport at the Kendal Climbing Wall. He is now one of the UK's brightest young climbers and in his short career so far has completed several major test-pieces, both at home and abroad.

  • Read a bit more about George here: UKC News

The team comprises Peter Rhodes, 26, from Edinburgh, and Mason Earl, 20, from Massachusetts, USA. Peter's previous experience includes ten ascents of El Cap in Yosemite National Park. Mason spends much of his time working through routes in Indian Creek, Durango, Colorado. He and Peter climb together regularly in Patagonia. They have had the trip planned for a while and George is pleased that they asked him to join them.  

George became aware of the work of EBT through a family friend, Namaste-UK founder, Sam Brummitt. After learning about their work he was inspired to use the trip as a means of raising awareness of the trust and fundraising on their behalf. Currently 130 child trafficking survivors along with children whose parents are in prison, and former street children are cared for at one of the EBT's three refuges across Nepal. Here they are provided with safe, secure accommodation and good quality education and training to prepare them for an independent adult life. The Trust also helps deaf children and other vulnerable young people through support to a large school for deaf children in Bhairahawa, South West Nepal, and through skills taught at an integrated mosaic art workshop run by the Trust. 

The sponsors of this daring challenge are Namaste UK and Beyond Hope (Climbing Equipment). Namaste are a UK-based fair trade company specializing in gifts from Nepal and throughout Asia. They are long-term supporters of the work of EBT and proud to be sponsoring George on his expedition. Beyond Hope are providing the team with the necessary technical equipment.  

All money raised will go directly to sustaining the caring environment EBT has created and provide for the country's forgotten children. For further information please visit our website at www.ebtrust.org.uk  

If you would like to support this expedition by donating to the trust then please visit, www.virginmoneygiving.com/freecatedral 

Thanks go to:




10 Dec, 2009
www.peterhodes.co.uk/blog Thanks very much to all the extremely generous sponsors! Pete
10 Dec, 2009
The original aided ascent of this was the subject of a great quotable film, some of which is here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5ZBYewIdYU Unfortunatly it seems to have been sanitised of the best, sweary bits.
10 Dec, 2009
Good luck.
10 Dec, 2009
Good luck boys, thrash that static for me!
11 Dec, 2009
Good luck lads - how about some slacklining as well
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