Founder Climbs a Mountain!

Founder Climbs a Mountain!
Mark Mathews, founder of the Sunflower Trust, successfully climbed to the summit of Le Grande Casse in memory of his Great Uncle William Mathews, founder of the Alpine Club.

William Mathews, Mark’s Great Uncle and founder of the British Alpine Club, made the first ever climb of this 3,855 metre-high peak in 1860. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of this initial ascent, Mark was asked by the local French Mayor literally to follow in his relative’s footsteps and make the same climb. The ascent took place in June 2010.

Mark arrived at the local alpine village of Pralognan, close to this Le Grande Casse, to discover what a spectacular event the community had put together. Mark commented, “I could see flags everywhere along with posters and magazines publicising the event: ‘150 ans d’Ascencions’”.  Also invited were senior members of the Alpine Club, photographers and journalists. (William Mathews, co-founder of the Alpine Club below).

The main climb was preceded by a trial climb to check Mark’s fitness level and his ability to use crampons.  All went well and Mark was rewarded for his efforts by spectacular views and stunning surroundings.  This inspired him for the gruelling climb to the summit of Le Grande Casse the following day.

The expedition began at 04.00 hours as it was important to be off the peak by 10.00 hours due to the danger of avalanches once the sun had risen.

A total of 35 climbers snaked their way up this impressive mountain, re-enacting the original climb made by Mark’s Great Uncle in the process.

Having reached the summit at 08.00 hours, the expedition returned from the climb to be welcomed by a great reception committee consisting of many local people (some in traditional dress), press and the local Mayor. There were more festivities to be had, including an amazing re-enactment by members of the community of the events that had taken place 150 years before.    

Mark is no stranger to adventure and has obviously inherited the pioneering spirit of his ancestor.  He pioneered the Sunflower Programme, a totally natural and integrated approach for children with learning difficulties, and founded the Sunflower Trust, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of the nature of learning difficulties and associated challenges.  

Mark is donating all the money raised through his fundraising efforts (an incredible £6,000) to the Sunflower Trust to enable more children whose families could not otherwise afford it to benefit from the therapy.

July 2010