Summit X – Celebrating 10 Years of Challenge by Conquering Mount Buet

For the past decade, the annual Stocksigns and Messagemaker Displays charity challenge has become more than just a fundraising event it’s become a bit of a tradition. Every year we’ve pushed ourselves further, climbed higher, and taken on tougher adventures, all whilst raising vital funds for The Children’s Trust.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of our charity challenges, we knew we needed our biggest test yet.

Summit X wasn’t simply another mountain.

It marked ten years of Stocksigns and Messagemaker Displays pushing beyond comfort zones, building stronger friendships and supporting an incredible cause through challenge after challenge.

Over the past ten years, 78 people have taken part in our charity challenges, each contributing in their own way, whether joining us for a single adventure or returning year after year. Every participant has played a part in helping create something special, raising vital funds for The Children’s Trust whilst building memories and friendships that last long after the challenge ends.

Every blister, every steep climb and every difficult moment reminded us why we continue to do this year after year. This year, our team travelled to the French Alps to take on Mount Buet, standing proudly at over 3,000 metres (10,157ft) above sea level. Mount Buet offers breathtaking scenery, relentless elevation and technical terrain that would test every member of the team both physically and mentally.

Climbing for The Children’s Trust

Every step we took on Mount Buet was in support of The Children’s Trust  the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury and neurodisabilities. The incredible work they do for children and families across the country is what motivated us through the toughest parts of the climb.

Whether we were tackling steep ascents, crossing glacial streams or edging along exposed ledges, we knew we were climbing for a cause that makes a genuine difference to people’s lives.

The support and donations we received helped turn this adventure into something far more meaningful than a personal challenge, and we’re proud that Summit X has contributed towards helping The Children’s Trust continue its vital work.

We want to say a special thank you to everyone who has donated, and we are proud to announce that together we raised £22,000 for this fantastic cause.

To everyone who donated, and to our amazing partners D2D Associates Limited, Tenzing Search, Balfour Beatty, Persimmon Home and, Innova Solutions, and for joining us on this epic adventure.

The Journey Begins

Our adventure started long before the first step on the mountain.

With an early Friday morning departure from Gatwick Airport, the team flew into Geneva before crossing the Swiss French border and making our way to the beautiful alpine town of Chamonix. Surrounded by towering peaks, it was the perfect base for what lay ahead.

After one final equipment check, a team meal and an early night, it was time to find out exactly why this challenge had been labelled our toughest yet.

Day One – Straight into the Climb

There was no gentle warm-up.

From the moment we started walking it was an immediate uphill battle, tackling steep forest climbs that seemed to go on forever. Every corner revealed another ascent, reminding us very quickly that Mount Buet wasn’t going to give anything away easily.

Eventually the trail levelled out before descending briefly, only to throw another challenge our way. Steel chains and ladders helped us scramble safely over exposed sections of rock, adding an extra level of excitement to the climb.

After the morning’s effort, we reached a stunning alpine lake where we stopped for lunch. With temperatures soaring, several of us couldn’t resist taking a refreshing dip before continuing.

The afternoon brought more rocky terrain, patches of lingering snow and another gradual climb towards a second lake before a long, steep descent finally led us to our mountain refuge. Along the way, a few snow patches provided a welcome opportunity to cool down, with some members of the team making the most of the mountain’s natural air conditioning.

A well-earned dinner and plenty of laughter rounded off an unforgettable first day.

Day Two – Summit Day

Summit day began with purpose.

From the outset, the team settled into a strong and steady rhythm as we made our way higher into the mountains. The first obstacle came almost immediately as glacial streams cut across the route, requiring careful footwork before the climb truly began.

Then came what felt like an endless vertical ascent.

The gradient seemed never-ending. Every time we thought we’d reached the top, another steep climb appeared ahead. The higher we climbed, the more spectacular the views became, but there was little time to admire them as the mountain continued to demand full concentration.

Eventually we reached one of the most exposed sections of the route.

Using fixed chains and guide ropes installed on the mountainside, we carefully traversed narrow sections of rocky terrain where the significant drops below provided a genuine test of nerves. It wasn’t technically difficult, but it demanded respect, focus and a steady head for heights.

Just when we thought the summit must be close, another ascent appeared.

Then another. And another.

After almost six hours of climbing, a distant summit marker finally came into view. Spirits lifted, despite exhaustion beginning to set in, and with one final push all the hard work paid off.

Eleven members of the team successfully reached the summit of Mount Buet.

Standing together above the clouds, surrounded by spectacular panoramic views across the Alps, made every aching muscle worthwhile. After a quick ten-minute celebration, plenty of photographs and a chance to refuel, it was time to begin the equally demanding descent.