Local electrician and personal trainer Brock Martin will attempt to climb Mt Aconcagua in South America next month.
Brock said he developed an interest in mountaineering while living in the UK.
“Over the years I’ve progressed to gradually higher, more difficult peaks with Mount Aconcagua being the highest peak that I’ll have attempted to date.
“I thought that on this summit attempt and another major peaks I may climb in the future, that I’d try to use my abilities to raise money and awareness for the Cancer Council NSW, as everyone knows someone who is affected by cancer and the Cancer Council is there providing help and support for cancer patients and their families,” Brock said.
“Mount Aconcagua is one of the seven summits.
“Its the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas and by extension is the highest point in the southern hemisphere.
“My ultimate goal is to do all seven summits, so as a natural progression of location and difficulty, Aconcagua is the logical step,” he said.
Brock has previously climbed Kilimanjaro (Africa) 5,895m, Jungfrau (Switzerland) 4,158m, Three Peaks Challenge (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) UK, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar (Nepal) and Fort Bourke (Cobar) 300m.
Brock trains on average three to four hours a day, completing a variety of exercises with an altitude mask to help him prepare.
“There’s nowhere in Australia that can prepare me for the altitude difference I’ll experience in the Andes so I’m hoping that brute strength and will power bridges those gaps,” he said.
Brock has a goal of raising $2,500 for the Cancer Council NSW on this climb and he welcomes donations from the Cobar community.
He has a donation box at JKM Dynamic Fitness gym, you can join one of his bootcamp fundraisers, or you can donate via his fundraising page: nsw.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/Ironwarfarefitness.
“Anyone who can spare even a gold coin donation, your contribution to the Cancer Council will be greatly appreciated.
“All funds raised will go directly to the Cancer Council so they can continue to provide support to cancer patients and their families,” Brock said.
