I am now back safely at my desk here at St Giles Trust reflecting on what's been an amazing experience. Makes you see clearly what's important in life. And that life is a wonderful adventure and journey. Something to be cherished. But that it's also about everyday taking small steps forward.

So my huge thanks to everyone who has sent such generous emails, and my huge thanks to all that so generously supported my humble attempt to summit The Matterhorn. The training climbs were, for me, extremely challenging, and pushed me well beyond my own previous belief in my own capacity. We did ascents of the Index, Cosmiques Arete, Aiguille du Entreve and Aiguille de Marbree. We had a few dramas along the way involving large boulders, a few falls (we were always roped up) and some very unstable weather.

Sadly The Matterhorn's condition is very unpredictable. We were climbing out of season and it was surprising to me to find ourselves on the mountain all on our own. My guide of 30 years pulled stumps due to too much ice and snow en route. It was a moment of both huge deflation and relief. Despite not reaching the top, for which I have huge regret,  I will always remember that incredible feeling, being up on the mountain seeing the sunrise over the majestic Alps . So to sum up I'm hugely grateful to have had the opportunity to see The Matterhorn so up close, yet gutted I have let people down. Disappointed not to have summited. In sum I feel both humbled and aware of my own shortcomings.

I undertook the challenge to hopefully raise a few pounds for a charity I love, admire and feel extremely passionate about; St Giles Trust, and its incredible staff and volunteers. Thank you for your help in making this bit possible.

Rob