A Marathon and a Mountain – Conquering Mount Perdido

This year, the Stocksigns and Messagemaker Displays team and friends, set their sights on an incredible challenge climbing the legendary “The Lost Mountain,” better known as Mount Perdido. Standing at an impressive 11,000 ft in the Pyrenees, this was no small adventure!

Climbing for a Cause

This year’s climb was again in aid of The Children’s Trust, Stocksigns and Messagemaker Displays’ nominated charity partner. The UK charity provides vital rehabilitation, care, education, and therapy for children with brain injury or neurodisability.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we are proud to announce that together we raised £26,653.57 for this fantastic cause. This will go a long way in supporting the Trust’s life-changing work.

Day One – The Journey Begins

Friday 4th July

Our challenge began in the early hours, meeting at Gatwick Airport at 4:00am. Some of us were seasoned adventurers, others brand new to the team – but all ready for the mountain ahead. After checking in and making it through security, a hearty Wetherspoons breakfast was the perfect way to fuel up before boarding our flight to Barcelona.

From there, we picked up three trusty minibuses and began our long drive towards Torla-Ordesa. A quick lunch stop split the group between tapas and fast food before we continued our winding journey through the Pyrenees. That evening, we settled into our hostel, enjoyed a team beer, and received our Lost Mountain T-shirts, crampons, and a briefing from our leader, Captain Cload.

Day Two – Into the Ordesa Valley

Saturday 5th July

An early breakfast set us up for our first trek into the stunning Ordesa Valley. Towering cliffs, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls surrounded us as we made our way through this breathtaking landscape. A lunch stops by a waterfall gave some the chance to dip their toes in the icy water, while others stretched and recharged for the climb ahead.

The afternoon brought one of the most challenging parts of the trek – a steep, rocky ascent towards our overnight refuge. The notorious vereda de las flores section had us clinging to chains and steel poles on a cliff face, testing both nerve and balance.

Reaching the refuge was a moment of relief and celebration – hiking boots off, crocs on, and a well-earned pint of Estrella in hand. With no Wi-Fi, a few used the payphone to check in with loved ones before we settled in for an early night.

Day Three – The Summit Attempt

Sunday 6th July

We woke at 5:00am, ready for what we’d all been waiting for the summit push. Initially,

conditions had looked too dangerous to attempt, but the weather had turned in our favour. At 6:00am we began the climb, layering up as the wind and cold intensified.

At 3,000m, by a frozen lake, Captain Cload gave us a choice: turn back or push on. For some, the decision was to enjoy a slower descent and soak up the scenery. For others – ten of us in total – the call to summit was irresistible.

Using crampons for the icier stretches, we powered on to the very top. The view from the summit was nothing short of spectacular jagged peaks, endless skies, and the overwhelming satisfaction of standing on the roof of the Pyrenees.

After regrouping at the refuge for lunch, we began the long descent back to the minibuses and our base in Torla-Ordesa. That evening, showers, warm clothes, and a celebratory drink marked the perfect end to an unforgettable journey.

A huge thank you

To everyone who donated, and to our amazing partners D2D Associates Limited, Tenzing Search, Murphy Group, Innova Solutions, and Clearview Intelligence for joining us on this epic adventure.