Sheffield boy undertakes 'Everest challenge' to raise money for NHS

Dexter Cook, 10, will walk up and down the stairs at his family home a total of 4,022 times to match the height of Everest.

He has set himself the target of £500, and is nearing his goal having walked 1,350 flights of stairs, or two vertical miles, so far.

Dexter, who goes to Ridgeway Primary School, came up with the idea with his dad when he decided that he wanted to raise money for NHS staff helping to treat people with coronavirus.

He hopes to complete the challenge this month.

He started on April 17, and after two days he had climbed twice the height of the Burj Khalifa. One day later he had climbed the equivalent of three Empire State buildings.

Speaking of how it has been going so far, Dexter said: “I'm finding it hard, my legs are burning and it's really tiring.”

His father Paul added: “Dexter's calves seem to be getting used to the punishment, so he's not in as much pain as he was. However, pesky schoolwork is now getting in the way of his climbing, so he's fitting it in when he can.

“Thanks to everyone who has sponsored Dexter so far - he's currently raised a brilliant £320 for the NHS.”

You can donate to Dexter’s fundraiser by going to this webpage.