This page will be updated on a regular basis to show the progress and thoughts of all involved in the climb to the peak of Ben Nevis.
Who are Westys Warriors?
In May 1996 Barry West (best known as Westy) was involved in a car accident which left him paralyzed from the chest down. Barry would never be able to use his arms and legs again. This may sound very sad but what Barry then went on to achieve, not just for himself but for others, is far from being sad. With the help of Back-Up Barry went on to live his life to the full. Please follow this link and go to ‘My Story’ to read more about Barry. We have spoken to ‘Bazza’ over the phone and can confirm his lively friendly personality is an inspiration. If we had not known Bazza’s story we would never guess this young man was in any way hindered, which in a sense, he is not.
We are going to keep track of Bazza and his wonderful team and felt you might like to do so with us. Please check in on a daily basis to see where the team are in their climb to Ben Nevis.
Journal:
Monday 11th April
12.30 - On the 10th of April 2011, history was made. Barry West became the first wheelchair user with only the use of his head to make it to the Summit of Ben Nevis. I am proud and honored to say I was one of the team that helped to make that possible.
‘Epic’ is a word I hear used a lot these days but, far from appropriately. I was one of a team 18 strong who successfully made a Epic journey to the summit of the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis!
Barry had a dream and followed through with it and in doing so brought a bunch of strangers together and gave them a life changing experience. Team work was an essential, not just for moral but for safety. Fatal accidents awaited anyone who dared to be complacent. Communication was critical. Bazza quite literally placed his life in our hands. On numerous occasions, one slip, one wrongly placed foot could have cost on or more lives, not least Barry’s. The coast guard helicopter was out on training at a cost of £25,000 per hour. A display of just how dangerous this magnificent mountain can be if it’s not treated with the upmost of respect.
A video of the climb has been made and our official photographer took over 800 shots so anyone interested can log onto www.westysuk.co.uk or www.mckenna-health.co.uk and go to my blog.
Barry is the most inspirational, motivational and humbling man I have ever had the pleasure to meet and I’m proud and honored to call him a friend. He has shown to thousands of people and not just wheel chair users, that nothings impossible, live your dreams and know no limits. I heard a saying a while a go,’Dream as though you’ll live forever but, live as though you’ll die tonight’ Barry has one message to everyone and that is…ONE LIFE,LIVE IT!!! There is no second chance, no trial run in life so find a challenge that scares you and BRRRRRRRRRRING IT ON!!!
The total time was 12 hours, 55 minutes and 47 second to climb and descent Ben Nevis. Oh and every muscle in my body is sore!!!
The next challenge is the Three Peaks in three days! Bring it on!
Hugh McKenna.
Personal Trainer.
Exercise Referral Specialist.
www.mckenna-health.co.uk.
ADDITION:
Ascent of Ben Nevis by Wheelchair User, Barry West
Barry (Bazza) West was on top of the world this Sunday (10th April) as he reached the summit of Ben Nevis, the first wheelchair user with this level of disability to achieve this. Barry (who only has the use of his head following a traffic accident while in his teens) and his team of ‘Westy’s Warriors’ have been in training for this over the past two years in a bid to prove that a spinal injury is no barrier to fulfilling your dreams and, with a bit of help from your friends, there is little that you cannot do. Graeme Morrison of GM Mountaineering, who was responsible for the safety of the team on the mountain was very impressed with the teamwork and commitment of whole group.
The ascent began at 7am and ended 13 hours later as the jubilant team returned to base. At times they had felt it would be impossible to achieve their goal but constant encouragement from Barry and his team leader, Warren, kept everyone’s spirits up even through the snow at the top.
When not climbing mountains, paragliding or scuba diving, Bazza works as an instructor of multi-activities for users of power wheelchairs with the BackUp Trust which helps people with spinal injuries come to terms with their new life.
Amazing though it seems, this is only the first step of the journey as they plan to attempt the Three Peak Challenge later this year which involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. Then next year, as the Paralympics come to a close in London, the team plans to head for Africa and Kilimanjaro. The team are actively looking for sponsors to partner them in this challenge. For further information about Barry and his team check out his website at www.westyuk.co.uk
Lesley Brewin
Lesley Brewin Photography
0779 5054 077
lesley@brewin.org.uk
Sunday 10th April
16.00 – All set and ready to go! Never seen so many people wolf down as much breakfast like their life’s depended on it! …..an element of truth in that I suppose!
A sense of nervous excitement is upon us, only noticed by the unusual silence of THE WARRIORS!
Totally committed now! Packed for the last time, it’s now or never as far as we’re concerned.
Light is just breaking through and thankfully it’s much cooler today and it’s a good job as my back pack must weigh 12-15KG. 10-12 hours is the time frame for the entire climb and decent so a slow steady pace is the order of the day. Over and out for now.
Hugh McKenna.
Personal Trainer.
Exercise Referral Specialist.
www.mckenna-health.co.uk.
10.00 - Westys Warriors are preparing for what lyra ahead!!! Training day today. We are all meeting Graham, our mountain guide (x marine apparently) at the base of Ben Nevis. Nothing is being left to chance so all eventualities are being covered (including what to in an emergency such as Dan getting his new boots muddy)!!! Overcast and very misty today but, the Warriors are preparing for victory so ………. Far too busy for bad weather!!!
To be continued………….
Saturday 9th April
WESTYS WARRIORS are now tucked up and ready for our epic climb tomorrow. Todays training was a real eye opener. Anyone who thought we were going for a big walk up a bigger hill got an even bigger shock when the reality of the task ahead dawned on them. Bazza, as usual has been the driving force behind the operation. Makes Mr Motivator look like a part time girls pair of knickers. Chef Dan prepared a totally awesome Thai Curry….Beeeeauuuutifuuuul!!! while Mad Mikey spent the evening tuning up his air guitar and trying to persuade two French students to come along…….not sure they were too keen!!! In all seriousness the climb is genuinely scary, i’ve seen mountains on TV and in the magazines but today really hit home. This is genuinely dangerous! No short cuts and every attention to detail is taken. Food, water, first aid, ropes, ice axes, spare everything. People up here dont take Nevis lightly, the locals least of all. I suppose they get to hear of all the things that DO go wrong! The only thing thats Higher than Nevis around here is THE WARRIORS SPIRIT!!! Bazza has motivated and inspired all of us. If the truth be known i think that even if the mountain guide, Graham did think the climb ahead was too dangerous…..telling us we cant do it would most definitely be far, far more dangerous! We set off at 6am tomorrow morning so please keep your comments coming. Your words of encouragement mean so much to all of WESTYS WARRIORS!!!……….BRING IT ON!…….ONE LIFE, LIVE IT!!!
Thursday 8th April
10.00 – Hugh McKenna wrote to us saying: Westys Warriors have arrived at Glen Nevis safe n sound. Long old journey made easy by some of the most breath taking Scottish scenery. Mountains, waterfalls and Lochs, stunning!!! Bit nippy to say the least but a nice relaxing day today. About to venture into the town to pick up yet more climbing gear! Have a great weekend all. I’ll keep you all posted on Barry’s Epic adventure!!! BRING IT ON!!! 
17.00 - Westys warriors here. Hugh and Bazza regarding our epic Ben Nevis adventure. We are all in great spirits if a little tired from a very long car journey. We have all been into town for last minute kit additions and are now just awaiting our official photographer arriving tomorrow. Until then….here’s a shot from our accomodation <sorry, to follow>, The Great Glen Hostel. Fantastic accomodation for intrepid adventurers.
We would like to make a special mention of our supporters, ‘GM MOUNTAINEERING’, CYCLONE MOBILITY AND LESLEY BREWIN PHOTOGRAPHY who have supported us on our mission as a team to make ‘Barry West’ the first ever person to reach the summit of Ben Nevis with only the use of his head and his devoted ‘WESTYS WARRIORS’.
ONE LIFE, LIVE IT……..BRING IT ON!!!!
Best wishes,
Bazza, Hugh and Team Leader Warren.
Wednesday 7th April
10.00 – The Westys Warriors leave by car to travel to Glen Nevis, the area below Ben Nevis.
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I have read the story and have been very touched by this, as one of the people taking part in this trip was my husband Hugh McKenna and I am very proud of what he and the team have achieved this weekend with Barry West and I wish them all the luck for the next trip. I Know that it has also made his 11 year step daughter very proud and she cant wait to join in and do it with him.
BARRY YOU ARE AMAZING AND WHAT A TEAM YOU HAVE GOT I AM SO PROUD OF YOU ALL! WORDS FAIL ME AS TO HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOU ALL SUCH A FANTASTIC GROUP OF PEOPLE.TO CLIMB BEN NEVIS WAS SUCH A FANTASTIC THING TO DO BUT TO TAKE A MAN IN A WHEELCHAIR THAT CAN ONLY MOVE HIS HEAD TO CARRY HIM UP THOSE ROCKS AND SLOPES THAT ONLY A PERSON THAT HAS GONE UP BEN NEVIS CAN SEE WHAT THEY HAVE GONE THOUGH TO GET HIM TO THE TOP OF THAT MIGHTY MOUNTAIN.AS BARRY WOULD SAY YOU ONLY HAVE ONE LIFE SO MAKE THE MOST OF IT LIVE IT! AND YOU WILL FORFILL YOUR GOALS IN YOUR LIVES. BRING IT ON. BARRY’S MUM AND DAD. Thanks to all for making it possible
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