Spring 2019 will see a team of 12 wives and partners from across The Parachute Regiment and supporting units climb the highest volcano in the world, Ojos del Salado, standing at 6893m in Chile.
A select team of 12 wives will embark on the adventure of a lifetime as they depart for Chile next year. The expedition they have set themselves is not for the feint of heart; as such the wives have been required to meet a specific qualifying criteria. What is remarkable is the fact that none of these wives are full time athletes or adventurers, instead ‘holding-down-the-fort’ whilst partners are away on military duties is the norm, not ascending high mountains. They have now come together to take on their biggest and most daunting challenge yet; Nevado Ojos del Salado – in the Andes on the Argentina–Chile border and is the highest active volcano in the world at 6,893 m (22,615 ft). It is also the second highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere and the highest in Chile.
The FWC vision is to inspire a network of wives and partners throughout the country to come together to seek adventure and create, organise and participate in their own challenges. The desire is to unite the ‘wives’ community, raise awareness of the sacrifices they make and the skills and experiences they can offer. It will deliver a positive message of how a group of women working together can overcome any challenge.
Obviously, a high level of physical fitness and mental robustness is be required from all members of the team in order to complete the challenge. The team have been provided with a progressive training program and support package specific to the expedition, and are responsible for developing and maintaining the necessary fitness levels required for this tough challenge. Earlier this year they gathered 100 wives from across the country for the inaugural FWC challenge on Armed Forces Day – to climb up Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The event was an overwhelming success with over £2100 raised for The Ripple Pond which provides a self-help support network for the adult family members of physically or emotionally injured Service Personnel and Veterans. The aim is to raise even more money in 2019 with the Volcano summit, PRFWC will be supporting their chosen charity, soon to be announced.
Level Peaks Associates are proud to support this burgeoning community and help sponsor the expedition next year which we hope will raise much deserved awareness and hopefully lead FWC onto more fantastic challenges in the years ahead. A few of our brands such as Carinthia and Fourth Element have also kindly provided some equipment which will help see the girls safely through the expedition. Best of luck to all involved in their preparations and training in the months ahead!
Visit the FWC website for more details about the great work they are doing and to offer your support: www.forceswiveschallenge.org