A Gateshead personal trainer has completed a 45,000 step charity challenge. Julian Stark, who works as a PT at Gateshead PureGym, finished the 12-hour StairClimber challenge, which is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest, to raise money for The Sunshine Fund and Love Amelia Baby Bank.
12-Hour Test of Endurance
With two hours to go, Stark described the challenge as "definitely one of the harder things I've done in my life." He added: "I did this as I wanted to make sure that I could do something like this, to test my body, test the boundaries, and support these great charities. They do great things for kids in need, and this is my way to test myself, and also to give back at the same time."
Charity Support and Impact
David Wilson, head of charity at The Sunshine Fund, said: "He's been doing this since 6am, and will do a total of over 45,000 steps, so it has been a tough day. For us, the money is urgently needed for the work that we're doing to provide equipment to disabled children across the North East."
Wilson added: "This comes at a time when it is really tough, both from a demand point of view and when it is a difficult time for our much-needed essential funds. We really appreciate what Julian is doing, his dedication is just something else and quite significant, so thank you very much Julian."
