Why not step up to the Val des Terres Everest Challenge?

Launched in 2019, the annual event sees hundreds of islanders walk around the Le Val des Terres, George Road and Havelet circuit to raise money for local charities, and has generated more than £87,000 in that time.

‘We’re able to promote a healthy lifestyle whilst raising money for charity,’ said event co-organiser Sue Farnham.

To reach the equivalent 8,848m of the world’s highest peak, participants must walk around the 1.6km-long circuit, with a 77m climb, 115 times.

This does not have to be done individually however, as entrants can choose to take the challenge as part of a relay, team, in pairs or any other way that will see the completion of the course.

To keep track of progress a Strava group is available, as well as a Facebook page where teams are able to see each others’ progress and support each other.

‘Being able to see the number of laps completed go up and laps left go down is a good motivator,’ said event founder Gary Hooks.

This year’s beneficiary is Smile for Georgie – a charity founded in memory of Georgie Le Prevost, which aims to provide relief, in cases of need, hardship or distress and bring smiles to people in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

One project that the majority of proceeds will go towards is the transformation of the former landfill site at Creve Coeur into a nature reserve.

A donation will also be made to Diabetes Guernsey.

To sign up, participants must create a JustGiving page and pay the £15 entry by donating to the page with the aim being for every team to achieve £115 in donations, one pound per lap.

The challenge is set to run for 30 days, commencing on 1st January. Entrants are welcome to begin at any point during the month with the 30 days being completed by the end of February.

n Instructions on how to sign up and additional information is available on the Everest Challenge facebook page, https://bit.ly/3Foz32H.