Rutland painter Chris aims to conquer Argentinian peak

A painter and decorator who is climbing the tallest mountains on seven continents has announced plans to ascend the second peak in his challenge.

Chris Foster has started preparations for an assault on Aconcagua in Argentina, which at 22,841ft boasts the highest summit in the world outside the Himalayas.

The 43-year-old, who is originally from Oakham but now lives in Long Clawson north of Melton, completed the first of the seven climbs in June when he went up Mount Elbrus in Russia, braving extreme weather conditions on his way to the 18,501ft-high peak.

Chris, who has enjoyed mountaineering for more than 25 years, described his challenge in Russia as the hardest thing he has ever done but is now looking ahead to the next one.

On his South American adventure, Chris said: “The obvious risks on the expedition present themselves by way of the weather and extreme altitude.

“Aconcagua is notorious for Viento Blanco, or the ‘White Wind’, which can last for days or weeks at a time.

“We will have to walk 14 miles just to get to the bottom of the mountain and because of the distances and the altitude it is going to take a long while to get acclimatised.”

Chris is raising money for different charities on each of the climbs - he raised more than £1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society after scaling the Russian mountain.

His cause for Aconcagua is Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.

He added: “It goes without saying that I will get to experience the beauty of the mountains first hand, and it seems only fair that whilst this takes place I get the opportunity to raise money for those who are not so fortunate.”

The other mountains Chris plans to scale are Africa’s tallest peak Kilimanjaro, Carstentsz Pyramid (Indonesia), Mount Vision (Antarctica), Denali (North America) and Everest (Asia).