Wharf banker set to trade on world's highest peaks

By Simon Hayes on April 17, 2008 8:59 AM |

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A Banker is planning to raise money for charity by doing deals on top of the highest mountains in the world.

Kheiry Sammakieh, who works for Barclays Capital in North Colonnade, has already scaled the heights by doing a trade at the summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, last September.

On that occasion he and his fellow climbers set a world record by carrying out a transaction on the Lebanese Stock Exchange while at the top.

And now the ambitious 25-year-old hopes to complete the ‘Seven Summits’ set by doing record-breaking deals on top of the highest mountains in each continent.

His second target is Mount Elbrus in Russia, Europe’s biggest, and he will be tackling the 5,642m peak in August.

He said: “I’ll be calling the Lebanese Stock Exchange on a satellite phone. It will be a symbolic one-share trade, but it will be a European record. I’m very excited about it.”

Kheiry is taking on the challenge to raise funds for an orphanage in Beirut. It’s a subject close to Kheiry’s heart, as he originally hails from Lebanon.

He said: “It’s important to help the people there who are less fortunate than we are. I have a belief in the future of the country and it’s brilliant to be able to do something to help.”

Kheiry has been in serious training with climbing partner Nicholas Akle, including an intensive course in the Scottish Highlands with Everest climber Dave Walsh.

If things go to plan, Kheiry and his team will be at the summit of Elbrus on August 9, although they are well aware of the potential hazards.

He said: “Elbrus is a relatively quick mountain to ascend. That means altitude sickness can be a real problem. I had it a bit on Kilimanjaro and it’s not a pleasant experience.

“Also, the weather can change very quickly, although August is the best month to go because it’s usually better then.

“Luckily, the training’s been going really well. There’s still a few months to go and I’m confident I’ll be ready.”

Kheiry’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by his employers, who have give him considerable backing.

He said: “Barclays Capital have been brilliant with their support and have sponsored me £80,000 so far. I can’t thank them enough for their help.”

Considering he only started serious climbing at the start of last year, Kheiry has racked up some notable peaks, and he’s keen to continue.

He said: “I’ve caught the climbing bug. I’m crazy about it now. I hope to do the five remaining peaks before I’m 30.

“The only trouble will be getting the time off to do it. An Everest ascent takes about three months and that’s a bit more than my holiday allowance.”

The other peaks on Kheiry's list are: Carstensz Pyramid (Papua New Guinea) 4,884m; Vinson Massif (Antartica) 4,892m; Mount McKinley/Denali (Alaska) 6,193.6m; Aconcagua (Argentina) 6,962m; Mount Everest (Nepal/Tibet) 8,848m.

For more details on Kheiry’s expedition and to make donations to his charity log on to www.climbforlebanon.com.

simon.hayes@wharf.co.uk