Two men from Usk have raised over £23,000 for their local hospital and a charity by climbing Europe's highest mountain. Friends Owain Jones and Edward Davies made a sponsored ascent of the notoriously treacherous Mont Blanc in the French Alps. They have now handed over a cheque for £17,000 to the Haematology Ward at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital. The balance of £6,250 has been donated to Cancer Research. For Owain (27), a solicitor, and 29-year-old Edward, who runs his own vehicle sales business, Leeway Van Centre, in Goytre, near Usk, the climb was a baptism by fire. Neither man had any previous experience of mountaineering, but trained rigorously for six months beforehand. Yet despite their preparation, they were thwarted by extreme weather conditions which were unprecedented for high summer. Even though it was July, there was thick snow and ice, and a prolonged storm eventually forced the men to abandon their attempt at 3,167 metres, just 1,600 metres from the summit. "Our guide said he had never before seen such deep snow in mid summer," said Owain. "It is said that nobody ever conquers the great mountains and that, in fact, they will sometimes choose to allow a fortunate few to climb up them and rest at their peaks for a few moments before forcing them to go back down again. Sadly, Mont Blanc was in no mood to accommodate us on this occasion." Owain, a former pupil of Monmouth School, and Edward, who went to Millfield, Somerset, secured sponsorship from family, friends and others living in the Usk area. Their efforts were prompted in support of a member of Owain's family who has cancer. The money – the largest-ever single donation to the Haematology Ward at the Royal Gwent Hospital - will be used to purchase a bladder scanner and to set up a scholarship fund for nurse training and education in haematology. It is also hoped to establish a visitors' room where relatives can stay with family during difficult times. Sister Alison Pugh, who received the money on behalf of the ward, said: "Our fund was standing at about £12,000 which has built up over 10 years. This money from Owain and Edward will give it a huge boost. We are absolutely delighted."
