Jonny Briggs, left, and Tom Lancaster
Two friends will race each other the full height of Everest in an attempt to get into the climbing record books.
But the pair, Tom Lancaster and Jonny Briggs, will make the climb in the warmth of Berkshire.
The two men will go head to head in a race to complete 738 ascents of a 12m (39ft) climbing wall at the British Leisure Show in Windsor next month. The winner of the event the men have dubbed The Longest Climb will have ascended the equivalent height above sea level of the world’s highest mountain.
The men estimate it will take 20 hours to complete the climb, and have already tackled more than 30,000m in training. If successful they will have ascended 8,856m (29,055ft) during the 11 March climb – 8m (26ft) more than Everest’s height.
Edinburgh-born Tom, 27, said: “Imagine climbing 3,000 flights of stairs, and then imagine the stairs are vertical and you have to do it using your arms.
“The competition between us is great. I’m stronger than Jonny but he’s fitter so it’s anyone’s race. We are not rich or famous, but we are lucky enough to be healthy and if we can use this to make a difference, then that’s great!”
Proceeds from the charity climb will go to Mountain Rescue England & Wales, Heart UK and Amnesty International. Crowds of up to 20,000 are expected at the leisure show.
“The support of the public will make an immense difference to us, and will really help us to keep on climbing” said Tom.
Hammersmith-born Jonny, 29, added: “If we can pull this off it will be amazing.
“By raising the money we hope for it will be a double win for us, the sense of achievement will be massive and we will have contributed to three charities that are important to us.”
The challenge will also be a tribute to Rupert Rosedale, who taught Tom to climb while at school, and who died in an avalanche on Ben Nevis in December 2009.
The pair are undertaking rigorous schedule of cycling, rowing and strength training combined with hour upon hour on the climbing wall in preparation for their challenge.
More details are available on The Longest Climb website.
