In August 2025, I set out to climb Mont Blanc — at 4,806m (15,774ft), the highest peak in Western Europe.

It turned out to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done...physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I knew it would test me. I just didn’t know how much.

Day 1 – Onto the Glacier

• Route: Aiguille cable car → Glacier du Tour
• Distance: 3.23 miles
• Time: 1hr 48min
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We took the Aiguille du Tour cable car up to the glacier, stopping for lunch at Refuge Albert (banana, apple, and a pack of chocolate biscuits for me).

In the afternoon, we strapped on crampons and spent a couple of hours learning the terrain on the glacier, a taster of what was to come. Dinner back at Refuge Albert, then an early night; the next morning we’d be starting at 4am.

Day 2 – First Summit: Tête Blanche (3,710m)

• Start time: 4:46am
• Distance: 6.83 miles
• Time: 5hr 39min



Breakfast was muesli and two slices of cake before heading up to Tête Blanche, a 3,710m peak on the Swiss–French border.

The climb was steady but relentless, and the views from the top made the early start worth it. On the way down, we stopped at Refuge Albert for a Coca-Cola and more cake, then descended all the way to Chamonix.

Day 3 – To Refuge Tête Rousse

• Distance: 2.82 miles
• Time: 2hr 4min

A later start today after a night in Chamonix. We took a train and a cable car up before starting the steep trek to Refuge Tête Rousse (3,167m).

This climb was hard. Steep, rocky, and unforgiving. It was the first point in the trip where I thought: this is going to hurt. We’d be sleeping here tonight before the push for the summit.

Day 4 – Summit Day (and the Grand Couloir)

• Start time: 4:00am
• Stage 1: Tête Rousse to Refuge Gouter
• Distance: 3.6 miles
• Time: 2hr 40min
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• Stage 2: Refuge Gouter to Mont Blanc summit
• Distance: 5.98 miles
• Time: 6hr 30min
• Steps: 28,110
• Average heart rate: 155bpm (7hrs in “vigorous activity”)
• 
  

The day started with crossing the Grand Couloir which is nicknamed “Death Wall” because of the constant risk of rockfall. You don’t hang around here. Unfortunately someone lost their life the day before here!

Sadly, Annabel and Andrew couldn’t make it past the wall. I pushed on alone. By the time I reached Refuge Gouter, I was already exhausted. A quick bowl of coffee, then onwards.

The summit push was brutal. It's the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Every step was a decision: stop or keep going. The air was thin, the slope endless, the exposure terrifying. Fear of falling was always in the back of my mind. I genuinely wasn't sure if I would make it off alive.

When I finally stepped onto the summit of Mont Blanc, I was overwhelmed. Relief, pride, exhaustion. I’d pushed myself further than I thought possible. Further than ever before!

That night, we stayed at Refuge Gouter. I went to bed at 7pm but barely slept, the thought of descending the Grand Couloir in the morning kept me awake. I WAS PETRIFIED!

Day 5 – The Descent

• Start time: 3:30am
• Distance: 4.7 miles
• Time: 3hr 52min
• Steps: 14,187
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Back to the Grand Couloir. I was petrified. But I made it.

With no time to rest, we jogged the rest of the way down the mountain to catch the 8:50am train. My legs were gone, my tank was empty, but somehow I kept moving.

What Mont Blanc Taught Me

Climbing Mont Blanc wasn’t about one huge act of strength or courage. It was about making the decision to keep going. Over and over again, when stopping would have been easier.

That’s true in the mountains. It’s true in business. And it’s true in life.

This climb was for my sister Zoe, in her memory, and to raise awareness for Zoe’s Law — fighting for change in healthcare.

📢 Please take a moment to sign and share the petition here:
https://linktr.ee/zoeslaw