Whitchurch Star Wars stormtrooper Ashley scales another peak on charity mission
In a galaxy far away, a stormtrooper from Shropshire set out on a mission to raise money for charity – by climbing Great Britain's highest peaks while dressed in full costume.
Ashley Broomhall, 29, from Whitchurch has previously taken on Snowdonia, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike and his climbs have raised £3,000 for charity.
But he decided his quest was not quite complete and this week he tackled Ireland's highest mountain Carrauntoohil in aid of the Lingen Davies cancer relief fund. The mountain is just under 3,500ft high and he set out on his walk at daybreak.
His courageous task has been inspired by his mother, Janet and aunt, Sue Toms, both of whom have been diagnosed with cancer.
After completing his walk, Ashley said: "Snowdon was first on to climb and we went straight there from the hospital after my mum's radiotherapy treatment. Nothing could stop her from joining us. She loves nothing more than climbing mountains. A lovely day was capped off by a fly over by a RAF Sea King who could not believe what they saw.
"Ben Nevis was second. Sadly my mum couldn't join us for this climb. It was a tough climb in my stormtrooper costume and not helped by the top being under a foot of snow. It did give some lovely pictures but who expects snow in June?
"Scafell Pike was last and was a tough one and low cloud obscured any views. At the bottom of the mountain there was a pub. I resolved to head to the pub to celebrate the completion of the Three Peaks. Little did I know that they were having a Star Wars-themed wedding there so I came as something like a gift to the surprised bride and groom."
Ashley climbed Carrauntoohil this week with his mum, who is now cancer free, and a friend giving him support from the sidelines.
"This was my last mountain in armour for a while," he said. "None of them have been easy and this one had a rather nasty section called the Devils Ladder. It was a very challenging climb."
Ashley has been a member of Star Wars costuming club the 501st UK Garrison for about six years.
He hopes to raise £500 with his last climb and a family friend has promised to match the amount. Anyone wishing to donate to his cause can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Mountainstormtrooper
