A graduate in Business Management, Robert is an SAP Consultant based in London.

He started rockclimbing on the Maltese crags when coloured lycra tights were fashionable and rock climbing gear was heavy. The first summer climbing trip to Chamonix in 1992 sparked the initial appetite for alpine climbing.

Robert is an avid traveler, trekker and climber. His travels have taken him rock climbing in Thailand, US and Australia, volcano bagging in Indonesia, alpine climbing in the European Alps and trekking and climbing in Sikkim, Garhwal, Lahaul and Spiti in India; the Karakorum mountains in Pakistan and Annapurna sanctuary in Nepal. Robert moved to Vancouver, Canada in 1997 and spent time climbing on the big granite walls of Squamish and trekking in the Coast mountains.

Robert went back to Nepal in 2007, climbing Mera Peak (6476m) and on to Island Peak (6189m) crossing the technical Amphu Lapcha La (5780m). In 2008, Robert climbed Mt Kinabalu (4096m) in the Malaysian Borneo and attempted Elbrus (5642m) in the Caucasus, Russia - the highest peak in Europe, turning back 200m from the summit due to bad weather and severe freezing conditions.

Robert says he climbs because "every single climb is an experience worth treasuring. And when the mountain allows you to gain its summit, the personal reward (and relief) are unsurpassed. An 8000m mountain will test one's limits to the full. High altitude climbing is about going through barriers you have never thought possible - physical but more importantly mental. We will have to dig deep but we will come back better people."

Robert brings to the challenge8000 team his technical climbing skills and good mountain judgement. He also claims to be able to make a decent cup of coffee on a little petrol stove in strong winds.