There could hardly be a greater contrast than the one I experienced recently- from the hustle and bustle of the local and European election campaigns to scaling volcanoes in Ecuador to raise money for the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Centre.

Our challenge to climb Cotopaxi, a 19,347ft active volcano, was almost derailed due to bad weather and the mountain being closed the days prior to our climb. However, our successful Cotopaxi summit attempt was carried out despite fresh snow and treacherous conditions; I knew this was the only chance to climb
Cotopaxi and I didn’t want to let the Battle Back Centre down! This was the toughest physical challenge I have ever done; the incessant steep slopes were endless and the snow made it so much harder. Unfortunately 5 members of the team didn’t make it to the summit but I persevered with 6 others, including two former soldiers who have been through the Battle Back Centre, to finish the 15 hour climb to the summit.

This was a historic expedition; the first with a team from the Battle Back Centre and I was proud to climb alongside the soldiers and veterans and hear first-hand how the centre had changed their lives after they had been through traumatic or life-changing experiences. 

Although the task was tough, perilous and demanding, I knew it would all be worthwhile if the money raised could help provide life altering rehabilitation programmes at the Centre and raise greater awareness of the challenges brave servicemen and women face dealing with the physical and mental scars of conflict.

There’s still time to donate via our JustGiving site or cheques payable to The Royal British Legion can be sent to my office (Greg Mulholland MP, Wainwright House, 12 Holt Park Centre, Holt Road, Leeds, LS16 7SR.)