Three injured veterans are attempting to summit seven of the highest mountains across the seven continents.
The trio will test their skills and endurance when they attempt the huge feat this summer.
Deviating from tradition, the challenge will begin with Mont Blanc, France, as they won't be climbing Mount Elbrus due to the Russian and Ukraine war.
The aim is to raise awareness and to provide inspiration for military veterans, service personnel and others suffering from mental health, disabilities, illness or injury.
Aspiring to join only about 500 people in the world, in completing this extreme endeavour, are Chris Braun, of Burnopfield and team mates Andy Speed and Rich Hughes.
Andy, said: “Well, I blame Chris!” when the team were discussing how they got started on this amazing challenge.
Rich, added: “It’s a real big sense of adventure, it’s a very diverse challenge.”
The team will be attempting the first of the summits, Mont Blanc, in mid-June.
Christopher joined the Royal engineers in 2002 and was based in Germany, being deployed all over the world on construction tours. In 2008, on a deployment to Belize, Chris became ill. He started rapidly losing large amounts of weight. When he returned to Germany he was diagnosed eventually with Crohn’s disease and colitis affecting both his large and small intestine.
Chris ultimately needed surgery to remove the worst affected part of his bowel and was subsequently medically discharged.
Andy, from Cardiff, served in the army for 28 years after joining the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment at 16. He had been on 22 operational deployments and had completed multiple qualifications while in the army.
However, when he had to have the lower part of his leg amputated and was medically retired in 2021, he was unsure about what to do next.
As of 2023, Andy has worked for Frazer-Nash Consultancy, who he says have been a great support and he is now ready to take on the challenge.
Andy, said: “I couldn’t walk 50 metres, so, to be here now is incredible!”
Joining the pair, is Rich who joined the army at 26 entering the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 2013. A seasoned athlete, it was a huge blow when he injured his ankle.
Rich needed multiple surgeries since the injury in 2017 and was discharged from the Army in 2019. He has gone on to complete an MBA and is now completing a PhD with Bangor University.
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The self-driven adventure is endorsed by the Climb 2 Recovery charity and board of trustees with the aim to raise awareness and money for the charity.
To support Team 7 Summits you can donate to their JustGiving
You can also follow their journey on TikTok , Instagram , Facebook and YouTube
The trio would also like to direct you to Crohn's and Colitis UK for more information.
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