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A retired activity instructor is climbing the world’s highest mountain during lockdown to raise money to support vulnerable islanders through the virus crisis...using ladders in his garden.
Peter Picot (64) is aiming to climb 1,000 metres per day until he reaches the equivalent height of Mount Everest – 8,848 metres.
He's hoping the challenge will raise £850 for the Salvation Army, which recently set up a food bank - and, not long after starting, he's already more than three quarters of the way towards his fundraising goal.
"It should take around 9 to 10 days in total, but it depends how my legs hold out. I may need to do smaller daily climbs, but it will be done!" Peter told Express.
The idea for the challenge arose when he was climbing up and down a ladder to do odd jobs around the house during isolation.
Pictured: Peter Picot climbed 1,204 metres in 2 hours 10 minutes on the first day of his challenge.
As a semi-retired outdoor activity and ski instructor, the concept that climbing the ladder was 'like climbing a mountain' came to mind.
"I did some mathematics and decided I could ladder up Everest."
Mr Picot originally set his fundraising target at £250, but in just two days donations surpassed his goal on his JustGiving page.
He has since had to increase his target many times in response to the generous donations, which have come from as far as Singapore.
He has now raised over £700 to support the "brilliant" efforts of the Salvation Army during the pandemic.
"The Salvation Army are doing fantastic work supporting the vulnerable people in the community at this time. They deserve our support," Peter said.
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