Successful climb of Mt Giluwe puts British woman on track for climbing record

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A British climber has reached the summit of Mt Giluwe, Papua New Guinea, in her bid to set a world record to climb the highest volcano on each of the seven continents in the fastest time.

The record attempt by Sophie Cairns, 35, would slash the existing record from over a year to only four months. Completing the Seven Volcanic Summits is an increasingly popular challenge for climbers and competition is growing worldwide to do it in the fastest time.

“I am thrilled that we reached the top despite the bad weather conditions,” said Cairns.

“This project is dedicated to the memory of my father, Anthony Richard Taylor, who passed away in 2008 only two weeks after his diagnosis. It was devastating. Since then I have climbed a mountain a year to raise money for a cure for esophageal cancer.”

Mt. Giluwe (4,368m) is the highest volcano in Australasia. Cairns reached the summit in cold and rainy conditions on March 1 with guides from Paiya Tours and Mt Giluwe Eco-Tourism.

“The local guides were very impressive and I felt extremely safe with them,” said Cairns.

Cairns kicked off her record bid in December by climbing Mt Sidley in Antarctica. She travels to Chile next to tackle the highest peak on the circuit, the massive Ojos del Salado (6,893m).

- Sophie Cairns aims to climb the highest volcano on each continent in record 4 

- Project is dedicated to the memory of Sophie’s father

- Competition growing worldwide to complete Seven Volcanic Summits in fastest time

To follow the Seven Volcanoes Project please visit: www.sevenvolcanoes.com. All funds raised go to Cancer Research UK to fund a clinical trial for a cure for esophageal cancer.