'Proud West Bromer' scales new heights in the Himalayas

Wes, originally a 'Brummie', has been a proud 'West Bromer', for several decades. Whilst passionate about sports from an early age, he didn't know anyone into mountaineering until a former partner began introducing him to it, in his thirties. After that somewhat late start, he very firmly 'got the bug', progressing gradually and consistently on his mountaineering journey, through the hills and mountains of the UK, to those in Western Europe, and then further and further afield.

This however, was not Wes' first attempt on Manaslu, having been unsuccessful in an attempt last year, thus illustrating the truth, that there is no easy eight thousander!

Despite his lack of success the first time, Wes boasts an enviable track record, and credits his success in large part to his consistency in training, which consists of a combination of lower intensity weight training, road running, hot yoga and of course, hill walking in all weathers. One novel workout that he favours, that might explain to readers, what was happening as they commute across the region, is 'pounding' the steps of the Black Lake and Hawthorns Metro stations.

John Edwards, current President of the 73-year-old WBMC and holder of the club altitude record for 18 years before Wes, extended his congratulations to Wes and the rest of the team, saying "WBMC has a proud history of members successfully ascending high summits overseas, with teams and individuals planting the club flag on many summits around the world, but Wes' Manaslu success is the first time a club member has breached the 8,000m ceiling - a new altitude record for the club".

John added: "Of course, to stand the best chance of success on a Himalayan giant, it is best to build up your mountaineering experience over time, and certainly in my case, the WBMC’s packed calendar of activity was a big help. Of course, not all of our members have such demanding objectives in sight, with many contenting themselves with more modest activities, and we welcome everyone, regardless of ability or aspirations, as long as they are as we say, a 'mountain lover'".

In addition to training, Wes highlights the importance of proper acclimatization, adhering to the 'climb high - sleep low' philosophy, to minimise the chances of succumbing to Acute Mountain Sickness, caused by the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere, which can progress to fatal, conditions. It never ceases to shock, that the air at the top of Manaslu, probably only contains a third as much oxygen, as the air at sea level, and whilst modern oxygen sets are used by the vast majority climbing to this height, it is impractical for these to be used until usually, above 7000m, as climbers approach the 'death zone'. The low amount of oxygen and the shock of the cold air hitting the lungs, are illustrated by Wes' face as he removed his mask to capture the moment.

Wes also credits Kathmandu based 8K Expeditions, for their incredible support and experience.

Just a month since setting off, Wes was safely back home and was working hard to reset his body clock and battle with another mountain, this time of his laundry, before considering his next challenge.