Climbers have scaled the equivalent height of Mount Everest for a charity close to their hearts.
Jonathan Hubbard, 49, organised the epic 8,848 metre endurance climb at Rockt Climbing Gym in Brighouse to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society due to his mother suffering with the condition.
His aim is to raise as much money as possible to support those who are coping with the devastating changes of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Jonathan said: “My mum Pat suffers from Alzheimer’s and my dad John is her full-time carer. Over the last few years I’ve watched their lives change dramatically.
“I decided to start fundraising events on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society to help people in my folks’ position cope better with the situation they have found themselves in.
“I am rope technician by trade so I’ve just been putting up Christmas decorations at height all week. I also enjoy climbing and so does my dad.”
And his cause was felt by friends and family who have since taken the appeal to great heights.
Around 35 people turned out at the gym in Millroyd Street on Sunday and others were keen to help out with safety and catering.
To keep climbers well fed during their climb organisers provided free Nepalese and Tibetan food – in keeping with the Everest theme.
Jonathan, who is also a supply teacher, added: “It’s been a good atmosphere and we’ve been enjoying it. The wall is around 21 metres high so we’ve been taken it in turns and keeping a record log.
“We chose Everest as we needed a goal and it seemed a fitting choice. We were starting to feel it in our arms when we got to the half way point but we knew that we would make it.
“I just hope we can raise a good amount for the charity. It really does mean a lot to me and would like to thank everyone who has supported us today.”
Jonathan set up a Facebook page to help publicise the event and linked to his JustGiving site.
It’s not too late to top up Jonathan and his team’s efforts at https:// www.justgiving.com/ROKT8848m/
