On the 22nd January 2007 our team of 19 adventures arrived in the multi-ethnic city of Quito to kick off this fantastic challenge to help raise funds for steps and Reach. Reach is a national organisation providing support and advice for children with hand or arm deficiencies, and their parents. For more information about Reach go to http://www.reach.org.uk/index.htm

This brave group of 19 begin their challenge in the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes with Pasochoa and El Corazon volcanoes, followed by Iliniza and culminates in the world's highest active volcano, the magical Mt. Cotopaxi.

The climb to Mt. Cotopaxi's (5,897m) summit is a tough summit bid with much of the final climb on its glacier.

The climb begins about midnight when the ice is hard and easier to trek on. As the sun starts to rise they will see that the clouds that for days have been so far up, are now down below, there are spectacular views of the Andes in every direction.

Please support our team of brave adventurers who have taken on this exciting and dangerous challenge to help rasie funds and awareness of two very worthwhile charities steps and Reach.