A team of climbers from East Grinstead are attempting to climb the height of seven Everests in seven days to raise funds for mental health charities.

In total, the three climbers will climb 62,000 meters on a circular indoor route. They climb in relay for eight hours everyday.

The challenge has been taking place throughout Mental Health Awareness Week.

Community effort

Over the last six days, crowds have gathered to cheer on the three climbers - Hannah Morris, Ricky Palmer, and Jamie White - as they battle the extreme endurance event.

One lap of the circular route, made up of artificial holds, offers 20 meters of continuous climbing, meaning the team must climb almost 500 laps every day to stay on track.

Their monumental effort is due to finish on Sunday 15th May and will be celebrated with a festival-style event that will bring together the local climbing community.

The challenge is taking place at local indoor climbing center Volume 1, where organizer Jamie White runs mental health charity ClimbFree.

“ClimbFree is a non-profit social enterprise. We aim to help people with poor mental health climb back to mental fitness. We want to raise awareness that everyday, everywhere, people are tackling their own Everests,” said Jamie White.

Climbing free

The funds raised will help ClimbFree to offer free indoor climbing sessions for people with poor mental health and people from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as supporting charities Mental Health Foundation and Campaign Against Living Miserably. 

Climbing - like any form of exercise - can help to boost mood and relieve symptoms of mental health conditions.

The epic seven-day fundraiser is closely linked to the personal journey of those taking part.Hannah Morris, who runs the most-subscribed female bouldering YouTube channel in the UK, said:

“I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for most of my adult life. Climbing has given me a way to manage periods of ill mental health and I’m a big advocate for climbing as a way to build confidence and resilience.”

“I feel very lucky to have found a sport I’m so passionate about and by raising money for ClimbFree, hopefully I can help to reduce barriers to access for others who could benefit from climbing as much as I have.”