Submitted by Ashley Edwards on Tue, 19/05/2020 - 14:44
Mt Everest was no match for the ‘camunisport’ staff and families yesterday, as the world’s highest peak was conquered in 12 hours of virtual climbing in a sporting achievement for the ages.
In total, the department racked up a whopping 54,564 upward steps - 2,517 steps higher than Everest’s 52,047 and more than 9,000m of ascent. Imagine Everest but with The Shard stacked on top – what a triumph!
The challenge took staff to the many heights of Cambridge and beyond on foot and by bicycle. Some staff opted for the repeated climbs of their staircases, while the more adventurous found themselves at the Gog Magog Hills, completing many repeats of the Houghton Hill climb in Huntingdon, and reaching the highest point in Cambridgeshire at Great Chishill at a dizzying, oxygen-deprived 148m!
Some of the individual highlights included;
Sending a panda to the top of Castle Hill, with locals looking on astounded.
James taking safety seriously as he ascends the staircase (nicknamed the Edmund Hillary Staircase for the day) for the 500th time equipped with helmet and ice axe – but no crampons so as not to ruin the carpet.
It was thought that Oli would be well prepared for this challenge having spent the winter at altitude for a ski season! After 200 flights of his stairs, he rewarded himself with a round of golf – here he is dragging himself up to the green on the 18th hole (we suspect camera trickery…)
The department made the pledge to take on Everest in the Virtual Climbing Challenge as part of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, and to raise vital funds for the University 4C PPE Appeal. More information available through these links;
Cambridge China COVID-19 Collaboration Appeal Fund
Over £85,000 raised so far to provide high quality PPE for Cambridge University Hospitals and the local region.
https://www.philanthropy.cam.ac.uk/give-to-cambridge/COVID-19-PPE-appeal-fund
Mental Health Awareness Week
We have a number of resources and activities taking place this week for MHAW
https://www.sport.cam.ac.uk/mhaw
You can get involved too! Check out the challenges on our Virtual Climbing Challenge webpage, and tag us on social media with what you’re attempting!