From the Classroom to the Summit

For North East teacher Ashley Deane, climbing Western Europe’s highest mountain was about much more than reaching the summit.

Last year, Ashley took on the incredible challenge of hiking Mont Blanc, standing at 4,809 metres above sea level, while raising funds for Children North East. Through months of training, determination and resilience, he successfully completed the expedition and raised an amazing £1,700 to help support children, young people and families across the region.

Taking on the Ultimate Challenge

Ashley has always enjoyed pushing himself both physically and mentally, and mountaineering had become an increasingly important part of his life.

“Mont Blanc felt like the next big step,” he explained. “It was something that genuinely intimidated me, which was probably part of the attraction. I wanted to find out whether I could prepare properly, put myself in that environment and actually do it.”

Preparing for the expedition was no small feat. Months of running, strength training, long mountain walks and stair-climbing sessions helped him build the fitness required to tackle the mountain. But Ashley says the mental preparation was just as important.

“You can be physically fit, but spending long hours moving at altitude, dealing with tiredness and getting up in the middle of the night to climb a mountain requires a different kind of resilience.”

Supporting Children North East

Ashley chose to support Children North East because of both his personal and professional connection to the charity’s work.

“I wanted the challenge to mean something beyond simply reaching a summit,” he said. “My career has largely been spent working in education and supporting young people, particularly those who haven’t always had the easiest route through education or life. The work Children North East does really resonates with me.”

By linking his challenge to fundraising, Ashley found extra motivation throughout the tough training and demanding climb.

“You’re not just doing something for yourself; you’re helping young people and families in your own region at the same time.”

A Humbling Experience

Despite the physical demands, Ashley says the toughest part was managing the mental challenges that came with altitude, fatigue and lack of sleep.

“There were moments where you’re tired, uncomfortable and very aware that you’re in a serious mountain environment. It gave me a huge amount of respect for the mountains and for the guides who operate in them every day.”

After successfully summiting Gran Paradiso earlier in the expedition, Ashley achieved his ultimate goal of reaching the summit of Mont Blanc.

“Standing on the summit of Mont Blanc was the moment everything I’d worked towards came together.”

One of his most memorable moments was watching the sunrise high in the Alps.

“Watching the mountains appear around you as the light comes up while you’re already several hours into a climb is difficult to beat.”

Challenging. Humbling. Unforgettable.

Looking back, Ashley describes the experience in three words: challenging, humbling and unforgettable.

The achievement was made even more special thanks to the support of everyone who donated, shared his fundraising efforts and encouraged him along the way.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who donated and supported me. I couldn’t have done it without them, and huge credit also goes to the guides whose experience and knowledge were invaluable.”

And while he has only just conquered Mont Blanc, Ashley is already thinking about his next adventure.

“I’d love to take the next step into higher-altitude mountaineering. Something like Mera Peak in Nepal definitely appeals. I think Mont Blanc may have created a bit of a problem!”

Thank You, Ashley

We’re incredibly grateful to Ashley for taking on this extraordinary challenge and raising £1,700 to help children and families across the North East.

His journey shows that fundraising can take many forms. Whether it’s climbing mountains, running a race or stepping outside your comfort zone in a completely different way, every challenge helps create brighter futures for local babies, children and young people.