Posted: 20/05/11
Students climb ‘Everest’ in a day
A group of outdoor education students from West Nottinghamshire College scaled the heights of Mount Everest yesterday (19 May) to raise funds for a mountain rescue charity.
The group of 25 BTEC Level 2 and Level 3 Outdoor Education learners climbed the equivalent of the world's highest mountain by performing over 830 ascents of a 35ft climbing wall – to match the mountain’s 29,029ft height.
Throughout the day students grappled with the apparatus to raise vital funds for Edale Mountain Rescue – a charity based in Hope, Derbyshire, and one of the busiest mountain rescue team's in the UK.
The wall was loaned by Tri-Sport & Fitness Ltd, of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, which is co-owned by ex-West Nottinghamshire College sport student Ash Burleigh.
Programme area leader for sport, James Winning, said: “Each student climbed the wall an average of 33 times and managed to maintain their enthusiasm. Even when their arms and legs started to ache, they just kept going.
“We’re on track to raise over £300 for the charity, which is closely linked to their outdoor education studies."
Student Becky Charles, 16, from Ollerton, said between climbs: “This was my first time on a climbing wall. It’s been hard work but so worthwhile. People who climb real mountains rely on the emergency services such as Edale Mountain Rescue, so we’re keen to raise as much as we can for them.”
