Bad weather meant 55-year-old Paul Raciborski of Woodford didn't end up climbing France's Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in western Europe, but he was content to knock off the 4164 metre Breithorn in Switzerland instead. He was part of a team of climbers from the Brain Injury Association of NSW.
The Gazette profiled Mr Raciborski last month who explained he was climbing a physical mountain on September 20 to draw attention to the mental mountains he tackles every day. Brain injuries affect more than 1.6 million Australians and he is just one of those affected.
Just over a decade ago, the avid mountain climber was hit by a large rock near Mt Cook in New Zealand, which left him in a coma for a fortnight, with a fractured skull and a permanent brain injury. He was airlifted to hospital and spent years in rehab. He has since learnt to walk, talk and eat all over again.
"Living with a brain injury can be like climbing a mountain," Mr Raciborski said. "Some days the terrain seems steeper than others, but it's always uphill. From the outside, no-one else can see these hidden mountains."
He was delighted with the ascent last month, even if it meant he couldn't crack the higher 4810m in France.
"Weather on Mt Blanc was terrible but fortunately a weather window opened long enough for us to have a go at the Breithorn [because of] better weather in Switzerland," he said.
"It was about -10 on top with a strong wind adding windchill to below -15."
Mr Raciborski, a disability support worker who also serves on numerous disability boards, said "pity was the main response for people with ABI [acquired brain injury] but I believe the response that is needed most is understanding". The climb also drew attention to families supporting those with these types of injuries.
Mr Raciborski said the "mountaineering trip was a deeply satisfying experience for me".
"Having climbed Mont Blanc before, the decision to climb Breithorn was actually a blessing in disguise, as I was able to experience a new mountain."