#FollowTheFlag... The Homecoming!

The Flag and the team arrived back in the UK from their epic adventure to the 'Roof of the Americas': Mt Aconcagua!

... and what an adventure it was!

Their journey to the summit was not an easy one: they battled with doubts and fears, snowstorms, brutal winds, altitude sickness, difficult decisions and a hostile mountain.... but they conquered!

Throughout it all Simon's flag gave them strength... It gave them focus, a purpose and a reason.

It drove them on when times got difficult.

Brendan said: "I found my thoughts turning to Simon, this young man that I'd never met but I was carrying his flag... I wondered about his adventure and whether it had been as tough for him ... I kept telling myself to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and get the flag to the summit.."

Patrons Major General Andy Keeling, Jonathan Thomson, and Simon's dad, Mike Brooke, met the team at Heathrow where the team proudly returned the flag to Mike.

Mike told them: "You all did Simon proud by reaching the summit and Pippa, James and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for keeping his memory alive in such a dedicated and humble way.

His spirit lives on and this entire venture has helped us face tomorrow in a more positive manner and with a spring in our step."

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who followed the Flag and supported the team throughout this endeavour with your incredible messages!

A special thanks to everyone who has donated to our 'Charity of Choice'

65 Degrees North is fundraising for The Royal Marines Charity which provides the best possible through life charitable support for the Royal Marines, their families, veterans and cadets.

Please consider making a small donation by visiting our JustGiving Page >

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/65dn

Or Text GRIT65 (£amount) to 70070*

*This service will make a one-off donation to The Royal Marines Charity, to donate replace (amount) with £1, £2, £3, £4 and so on.

Thank you!

To find out more about the charity please visit https://theroyalmarinescharity.org.uk

#FollowTheFlag #ACO2018 #BeyondInjury #RMfamily