Kiwi mountaineer Paul Scaife is now tackling 50 of the South Island’s major mountain peaks on his own after a viral infection forced Save the Children President Martin Hawes to quit the 50-peak challenge on Friday (17/10).

The two intrepid Kiwis left Queenstown on Sunday 12 October to climb 50 mountains around Mount Cook in 4 weeks, to raise money for Save the Children and celebrate their 50th birthdays.

Expert mountaineer Mark Inglis said today, “If Paul achieves the 50 peaks it will rank as the most significant mountain climbing feat in New Zealand.

“Paul is a competent mountaineer but it will take supreme concentration and mental toughness to complete the 50 peaks solo.

“On his own it will be much harder to traverse crevices safely and stay alert to dangers. It’s a huge call but I can’t think of anyone better or more prepared to achieve the climb."

Scaife is making good progress, knocking off 17 peaks to date. At this rate he is on track to complete the challenge in just over 3 weeks. He has already raised nearly $20,000 for Save the Children.

In 1976, Scaife with the late Dave McNulty climbed the 50 peaks in 6 weeks. One other team has achieved this feat, but no mountaineer has ever climbed the 50 peaks solo. A professional mountain climbing guide, Scaife has been climbing worldwide and in the Southern Alps for over 35 years. Based in Wanaka, the 50-year old believes that in order to stay young, you must keep pushing yourself.

“By the time you reach 50, life’s big challenges are usually over and it’s easy to start coasting. But to keep your mind, body and spirit young, you’ve got to keep pushing the horizons. You’ve got to live life to the full."

ENDS
For more information contact Save the Children on 04 385 6847.