Guernsey Press

Everest Challenge adds fundraising to healthy new year activity

COMPANIES are being encouraged to take part in a January walking challenge to encourage healthy activity in the workplace and raise money for charity.

Published
The Sarah Groves Foundation's Gary Hooks, one of the main organisers of the Tour de Sez cycle event, is equally adept on two legs to promote the Everest Challenge. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 26801217)

The Val des Terres Everest Challenge began on New Year’s Day with 30 corporate teams and single entrants signed up to walk the hill.

‘With most people returning to work now, it is the perfect opportunity to start a new year with a healthy new challenge that will not only improve your own health but make a difference in our community,’ said Sue Farnham, from the Sarah Groves Foundation.

‘The challenge consists of walking a circuit of up Le Val de Terres, down George Road and down Havelet.

‘The lap is one-mile long and takes on average 15 to 20 minutes per lap.’

Islanders are challenged to complete 115 laps within 30 days, which is the equivalent of climbing the 8,850 metres of Mount Everest.

This can be done as a single person or a group entry.

Ms Farnham said the challenge provides many benefits such as improved mood, increased energy, weight loss, sense of achievement, strength, new friends and raising money for charity.

The minimum sponsorship, for singles or for groups, is £115, which is £1 per lap. Money raised will go to the Sarah Groves Foundation, which will make a sizeable donation to Guernsey Mind.

Laps can be completed at any time during the day in January.

It is the second time the charity event has taken place and this year medals will be given to all participants who raise funds for the two charities.

Fundraising is via JustGiving, where the company or single entrants will have their own JustGiving page within the Val de Terres Everest team Page.

Laps can be recorded through the app Strava, Garmin or similar applications.

. For more information visit the Facebook page 2020 Everest Challenge.