Care home director takes on epic charity climbing challenge

Staff and residents at Lucerne House in Exeter are celebrating because their incredibly brave Regional Director, Cosmin Lemnaru, has survived a terrifying mountain climb in order to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health condition by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

Set up in 2000, this year marks the Foundation’s 26th year supporting individuals, community groups and small charities all across the country.

On July 11th, Regional Director, Cosmin Lemnaru, faced his fear of heights to take on the Mürren Via Ferrata, a breath-taking 2.2km cliff edge trail.

Clipped to a steel safety cable running along the Murrenfluh cliff face, Cosmin navigated exposed rock ledges, vertical ladders and a wobbly suspension bridge, at one point standing roughly 600 metres above the floor of the Lauterbrunnen Valley with uninterrupted views across to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.Cosmin was climbing in order to raise funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which helps combat loneliness and isolation.

Cosmin commented: “I wanted to do something that took me completely out of my comfort zone and I think I can say I achieved that! 

"There’s a point on that cliff where you’re just iron bars and air - you keep three points of contact, you don’t look down too long, and you trust the people who checked your kit.

"I wanted to put myself somewhere genuinely uncomfortable for a cause that matters, and Mürren delivered on that. I knew all the staff, residents and relatives at Lucerne House plus my family and friends were behind me and their support plus the money I’m raising helped me go the distance.”

If you would like to support Cosmin, please visit H D is fundraising for Barchester's Charitable Foundation all donations will be gratefully received.