Following the cancellation of a race in the UK, Mr Alford – the fundraising and events manager for the brain injury charity – wanted to take on a physical challenge to help the organisation after the pandemic left a £100,000 shortfall in its fundraising.
As part of the Beyond Everest challenge participants can choose from a range of mountains and aim to complete the equivalent elevation using steps, local hills and cliff paths.
Mr Alford chose Everest, which stands at a height of 8,848 metres, but set an even higher target of 10,000 metres.
Beginning the challenge on Thursday
3 September, Mr Alford got off to a strong start throughout the first 12 hours, ascending some of Jersey’s steepest hills and footpaths and covering 4,000m of elevation and 30 miles.
The second day brought with it new heights, including the 80m of elevation provided by the 200 steps in Gorey Castle. Mr Alford said this stage of the challenge was particularly difficult, but with an improved afternoon session at different points in the Island he was still able to complete another 4,500m, placing him just 300m short of Everest and 1,500m shy of his goal.
By the time he had finished, he had surpassed his own target and reached an ‘elevation’ of 11,500 metres.
‘It was the toughest challenge I’ve ever done,’ said Mr Alford, reflecting on his achievement. ‘Each day was constant, up and down – the hardest part was getting up the next day. I’d have to go home, eat, rest and then get up early the next day and do it all again.’
To take part in the Beyond Everest challenge, Google race-nation Beyond Everest.
To donate to Mr Alford’s JustGiving page click here.
