Jack's home grown Everest challenge raises cash for St Luke’s Hospice

Why visit the Himalayas to conquer the world’s highest peak when you can take up the challenge with a trip out to the Peak District?
St Luke's Jack SwindellsSt Luke's Jack Swindells
St Luke's Jack Swindells

Builder and fell runner Jack Swindells raised £899 for St Luke’s Hospice when he reached the equivalent of 29,200 feet in just one night - more than the 29,032 foot height of Mount Everest.

But Jack completed his challenge by running up and down Winn Hill near Bamford in Derbyshire an incredible 29 times, supported by friends who kept him going through the dark.

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He took on the daunting task to raise money for St Luke’s Hospice, where friend and fellow runner Tom Pollak was a patient as he battled against cancer.

Tom was the longest serving soldier in the Parachute Regiment, who then went on to have a successful career as a GP in Sheffield.

He was also a successful mountain climber and mountain marathoner and encouraged and supported Jack in his running.

“Winn Hill was Tom’s favourite spot so it seemed like the right place to do it,” said Jack, who lives with his family in Worrall.

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“He created a running group and introduced us all to running up and down Winn Hill.

“My original intention was to start at five in the morning but then I decided to do it overnight while the family was asleep.

“It was a good experience but I was quite relieved by the time I got to the final five ascents - it was a mix of being a bit fed up, tired and relieved but I am very pleased to have raised so much money for the charity that supported Tom.”

There’s still time to support Jack’s fundraising. Simply visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jack-swindells-everest

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