An electrician from Helston, Cornwall, is climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest in his own home, joined by his 14-year-old daughter. Terry Lander, 36, who works at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, and his daughter Sophie are tackling 40 flights of stairs daily for 12 weeks to reach 8,848 metres (29,000 feet).
The pair began their challenge on 1 April and have already climbed 1,000 metres. Terry said: 'We started off by running up and down the stairs, to get it over with, but taking it slow is definitely the way to go.' He added that they sometimes fit in a 'cheeky six' flights when they have a spare moment.
The fundraiser supports the Gurkha Welfare Trust, which originally proposed the idea. Terry, a senior electrical supervisor at Culdrose, continues to work during the coronavirus pandemic, while Sophie is off school from Helston Community College. Terry previously raised £372 for the Friends of Helston Community Hospital to help NHS frontline workers.
Terry said he would love to climb the real Everest but noted the cost and crowds make it impractical. 'At least this way allows me to do something I would love,' he said. To sponsor the pair, visit their JustGiving page.
