Press Releases

Lyndhurst based INEOS, the world’s third largest chemicals company, has agreed to sponsor a World record attempt by a Hampshire teenager Rhys Jones as he aims to complete the challenge to climb seven of the highest summits in three years. 

On March 25th, nineteen years old mountaineer Rhys Jones, of Bartley, will travel to the Himalayas to climb Mount Everest as the final stage of a world record attempt to become the youngest person to complete the Seven Summits Challenge, reaching the top of the highest mountain on every continent.

Rhys already holds two mountaineering records. At the age of 17 he became the youngest Briton to reach the summit of Mt. McKinley in North America, two years later he became the youngest person to climb Mount Vinson in Antarctica. His list of conquests also includes the highest mountains in Africa, South America, Europe and Australasia.

“I invited Rhys to the company headquarters in Lyndhurst and was extremely impressed by his achievements and his motivation to succeed,” said Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman INEOS. “I am pleased that INEOS is able to provide necessary funding to help make the Mount Everest expedition a reality and to help Rhys on his way to becoming the youngest person ever to climb seven of the world’s highest mountains.

Even before he leaves for the Everest expedition, at 19 Rhys has already achieved what many only dream of. His focussed approach and determination to meet this challenge and succeed should be an inspiration to us all.”

Following its acquisition of Innovene from BP at the end of 2005 INEOS has grown to become the 3rd largest chemical company in the world. It currently has 18 businesses and 68 manufacturing sites in 17 countries manufacturing a broad range of products from plastics and polymers to medical propellants. The company was formed by Jim Ratcliffe in 1998, it currently employs around 15, 600 people generating an annual turnover of around $33 bn each year.

“I am extremely grateful to INEOS for its support on this expedition,” said Rhys. “I am really looking forward to flying the INEOS flag on Everest because of its links with Hampshire and the New Forest. Having the backing of this world leading company makes the final leg of this record attempt possible. Importantly it means that I can now put all of my effort into challenge ahead. As INEOS is a local company it will make it all the sweeter if I can bring home the World record”. 

ENDS

To Track progress on Everest visit: http://www.youthunlimited.co.uk


For further information contact:

Contact: Richard Longden
Phone: 02380 287067

Contact: Rhys Jones
Phone: 02380 811595/ 07717 810773

Note to editors:

- INEOS is a rapidly growing manufacturer of petrochemicals, speciality and intermediate chemicals and polymers. The company was formed by a management buy out of the former BP petrochemicals asset in Antwerp,
which was led by Jim Ratcliffe, now its Chairman. The company has subsequently grown through a series of successful acquisitions and continues to build on businesses that have good people and assets,
supported by strong market positions and a potential for further growth.

- Rhys Jones, started climbing at 14yrs. He has climbed on every continent and experienced everything from a Scottish winter to an Antarctic deep freeze. He has recorded temperature of below minus 35°C inside his tent and -110°C outside.
Rhys has set up his own company, Youth Unlimited, a not for profit organisation that aims to inspire and motivate other teenagers to set and achieve personal goals.

- High resolution photographs available on request.