Consultant completes mountain challenge and raises £390

Wednesday 2 September 2026

A consultant at North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust has completed an incredible mountain challenge for WHH Charity, raising £390 as part of the charity’s 30th anniversary year.

Solomon ‘Solo’ Pudi had planned to climb Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, standing at 4,805 metres above sea level. However, challenging weather and mountain conditions meant the planned ascent was cancelled on safety grounds.

Instead, Solo took on Benvenuti, completing a demanding climb involving technical terrain, ropes and rock climbing, while enjoying spectacular views from the summit.

Describing the experience, Solo said: “It was terrifying at the top, but it had terrific views. I was secured by ropes and a harness, and the last 100 metres of the climb was technical, with ropes, rock climbing and scrambling across the rock faces. It was quite an adventure.”

There had been a possibility that Mont Blanc could reopen later in September if conditions improved, but the organising company, Adventure Base, decided to cancel the planned climb while the risks remained too high.

Solo said the decision to prioritise safety was the right one, adding: “It’s safer to stay alive and climb other mountains in the future than risk climbing this one.”

Solo has previously climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, raising £405 for WHH Charity in 2025. This year, he set himself an even bigger challenge to help mark the charity’s 30th anniversary.

The £390 raised from his latest challenge will help WHH Charity continue supporting patients, families and staff by funding projects, equipment and enhancements that go above and beyond NHS funding.

Everyone at WHH Charity would like to thank Solo for taking on such an incredible challenge and for raising vital funds to support patients, families and staff.