Perth man Sandy MacLeod gets set to tackle Mount Aconcagua

Dec 11 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A BOLD Perth adventurer yesterday finalised plans for an epic charity challenge thousands of miles from home.

Sandy MacLeod, from Jura Street, declared himself “fit and raring to go” after stepping up his training for a near-7000metre climb up Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest mountain in the western hemisphere.

All proceeds from the daring expedition will be donated to the Anthony Nolan Trust, which matches leukaemia patients with organ donors.

Sandy (43) is due to start his attempt to scale the iconic peak in mid-January, with the mission expected to take three weeks.

In recent years, the experienced adventurer has taken part in fund-raising challenges for a host of cancer charities.

He has taken part in fund-raising adventures in China, the Himalayas and Scotland’s own Great Glen.

But he reckons the South American climb represents his toughest challenge yet.

“Aconcagua is not a trek, it is a mountaineering expedition,” the property manager explained yesterday.

“Although it is a non-technical ascent, at just under 7000 metres it is a long and extremely tiring climb at altitude.”

The mountain and its surroundings are part of the Aconcagua Provincial Park. The mountain has a number of glaciers, the largest of which is around 10km long.

Sandy added: “I always said I would like to do something that really captures the imagination of those being asked to donate funds – and this fits the bill.

“My grand-dad died from cancer and one or two people at my work have fallen by the wayside in recent years.”

Sandy said the Anthony Nolan Trust was becoming increasingly dependent on fund-raising events such as its Ultimate Challenge in Argentina to find the money needed to carry out its invaluable work.

Anyone can donate to the campaign, simply by logging on to www.justgiving.com/sandymacleod and leaving a pledge.

Sandy is also looking for a sponsor who can help out with the cost of buying specialised climbing equipment and can be contacted on 01324 600000.