Unox UK team climb Ben Nevis to raise £20,000 for the Burnt Chef Project

Commercial oven manufacturer Unox UK has raised more than £20,000 for the Burnt Chef Project after its team successfully climbed Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, while carrying a full-size combi oven.

The Moving Mountains for Mental Health challenge took place last week (29 June) with 25 climbers from Unox.

They were strapped to a custom-made frame designed to take carry the140kg, 10-grid CHEFTOP-X oven 1,100m above sea level, higher than any point in England or Wales.

Climbers assembled at 6am and made their way up the mountain for seven hours, averaging 1mph on the trek to the top.

However, due to difficult weather conditions, the professional mountain guides advised the team to stop the assent on safety grounds.

The team constructed the oven unit there at the 1,100m point, unveiled a flag in support of their sponsors, and descended the mountain with the oven.  

Scott Duncan, managing director at Unox UK, said: “I’m incredibly proud of every single person who’s helped us to undertake this remarkable challenge. From those who scaled the mountain, carrying a full-sized combi oven in every conceivable weather, to those who supported us with logistics, fabricated the frame used to carry the oven and of course, those who have sponsored and supported us.

“By the day of the challenge, we had already raised more than £11,000 – a figure that will be matched by our parent company, Unox S.p.A and go to support the incredible work of the Burnt Chef Project.”

Nicola Michelon, chief executive of Unox, added: “The Burnt Chef Project is a fantastic cause and mental health is something that is of huge importance, especially within our industry."

Kris Hall, founder and chief executive of the Burnt Chef Project, said: “This ascent was gruelling without the added challenge of navigating rocky paths, walkers, and crevices with a metal fabricated stretcher and a giant commercial oven!

“To put this into context imagine carrying the same emotional and mental load living with mental illness day after day and continuing to get up and put one foot in front of the other. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Click here to support the fundraising effort for the Moving Mountains for Mental Health challenge.