Ten minutes ago to my great relief I was woken up by a phone call from Gavin. He and Willie are at Camp 3 preparing to descend to ABC today (it is their morning).

Although I haven't got the full picture of what the last 24 hours has brought them, but I do know that they didn't reach the summit. According to Gavin they reached 8,600m and Willie suffered a knee injury and they had no choice but to turn around.

As expected they were acutely tired on their return to Camp 3 and were unable to muster the strength to call in. The wind is strong, but they are ready to leave and get back to well below 8,000m.

As I get more information (which will be later today when they get to ABC) I will let you all know. Gavin is philosophical as ever and is just glad to be alive and well (as well as can be expected). I look forward to telling you all their whole story soon,

It is a testament to each of their characters that they have returned from such a harsh environment. I am proud of both of them.

We hope Willie's knee improves too... I am going back to bed to get a decent nights sleep now, Take care, Richard