The president of Harrogate Brigantes Rotary Club has reached the summit of Everest – without leaving Yorkshire.
David Hayes and 20 members of the group have been covering the equivalent distance of Everest since late August.
They covered 3,900 miles and climbed 106,000 feet – which they calculated to be the Yorkshire equivalent trekking 1,525 miles and 1,056m feet to Everest’s summit.
Among those taking part was Graham Chilvers, who completed his distance and height quota by walking up and down the steps at Knaresborough Castle each day with his dog, Jet. Four Rotarians climbed Yorkshire’s highest peak, Whernside, on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year, while Tony Doveston went up and down the stairs of the high-rise building where he lives.
Tony Doveston contributed to the Everest challenge by climbing the stairs in his high-rise apartment building
Guy Wilson trekked up and down the hill behind his house, David Russell and John Benedict cycled, while others rowed, used a step machine, and walked around the Stray in Harrogate. One hardy participant even contributed to the total distance as he recovered from knee replacement surgery.
On reaching the ‘summit’, Mr Hayes said:
“I am only standing here because of the enormous efforts of club members over the last few weeks.
“Daily they have walked, climbed, cycled and rowed to build up the real distance and height that were needed to get me here. They’re all in their 70s but they’ve put their bodies through a gruelling regime to get us to our goal.”
The fundraising total so far stands at £3,500, with donations still coming in. The money will be split between the Brigantes’ Covid Relief Fund, mental health charity Wellspring, and Carers’ Resource.
A blog of updates on the expedition can be found on the Brigantes’ website.
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