A BUSINESS coach from Bolton and 13 fellow adventurers paid tribute to a well-respected colleague with a trek up Britain’s highest peak.

Paul Limb took part in the Kent Rhodes Challenge, in memory of the 49-year-old who died of cancer on his 49th birthday.

The managing director and head coach at ActionCOACH North West, based in Egerton, was asked, with fellow climbers, to tackle Ben Nevis.

This year’s gathering was aiming to raise money for Children with Cancer UK, a cause close to Kent’s heart.

For Paul, the cause was particularly inspiring as he lost his own brother to cancer, also aged 49.

He said: “I felt completely unfit when I volunteered and only had a couple of months to prepare. “So I walked every day and had personal trainer sessions three times a week to try and get myself into a fit state for the climb.

“We arrived at the start of the climb at 8.30am and it took us four-and-a-half hours to reach the summit, with a couple of brew stops and a quick lunch on the way – along with a few stops just to catch our breath.

“We had glorious weather and views until about 150 metres from the summit, which was shrouded in mist.

“On the way down was a different matter and the heavens opened. I can only describe the descent as like walking downstairs for three hours.

“The sight of the Ben Nevis Inn at the base was very welcome and we all enjoyed a celebration drink as we raised a total of £11,500 for the charity.”

Meanwhile back in Bolton, his team is preparing for their first midweek meet-up event, which will take place on Thursday at the Cherry Moon cafe in Bridge Street from 6.30pm.

The gathering has been set up so business owners can swap ideas and talk about best practice and challenges, while perhaps learning from a business coach.