Dad-of-two Julian takes on mountain for charity

Julian stands in front of the Matterhorn, which is lower than the summit of Monte Rosa. (Image: Archant)

A Honiton dad-of-two has raised nearly £5,000 for end-of-life charity Hospiscare and Cancer Research UK – by scaling a Swiss mountain more than 15,000ft high.

Julian Ohlsen, 53, who has lived in Honiton for 18 years, successfully reached the summit of Monte Rosa, in Switzerland last month.

Speaking to the Herald, he said: “This all started with a decision back in September 2014 to do something special as a mid-life challenge, and in memory of my mother, who died in 2013, and my sister, Lyn, who died from cancer at 48.

“In August, I joined a team of eight trainee climbers from around Europe and found that at 53, I was the oldest by several years.”

Julian stands in front of the Matterhorn, which is lower than the summit of Monte Rosa. (Image: Archant)

Unfazed by the age gap, Julian, former president of Honiton Round Table, underwent an exhausting training regime to get fitter.

He added: “My training – since January – has seen me running and walking over 400 miles to give me a great level of fitness that gave me a real advantage in dealing with the thin air at altitude. World travels have taken me to see glaciers around the globe.

“Only now have I had the training and opportunity to climb them and gaze into the fantastic deep blue of the crevasses.”

Julian completed the climb in two days, battling off freezing winds and altitude sickness.

He added: “I have gained a real sense of personal achievement and fulfilment in getting to the top of Monte Rosa.

“The greatest result of this mid-life crisis is that it has raised more than £4,805 - that gives me a very humbling sense of gratitude to all my supporters, family, friends and colleagues. “

Julian is still accepting donations - to donate, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/JulianOhlsen