Two energetic east Auckland personal trainers have completed the climb of their lives in an effort to provide bed and bedding to children who have none of their own.
Variety’s Bed Poverty Appeal sees people complete 18 hours on a stair climber to raise money to buy the essential items for the charity’s children who live around the country.
Les Mills Howick gym’s Jacob Carr and Kay Han took about 18 hours of continuously climbing to cover the 58,070 steps they needed to ‘knock off’ the 8849-metre Everest, having started on a recent Sunday night and finishing the following Monday.
With the stairclimber boasting 17 steps, the two scaled 3416 flights of stairs each – with the appropriate camber to make it life-like – to go toward the appeal which raises more than $500,000 annually to provide beds and bedding for children who don’t have a bed of their own.
Carr and Han are no strangers to a challenge. In 2022 they completed a 26-hour cycling challenge to raise money for a colleague battling cancer.
They completed 26 Les Mills’ cycling classes in a row and raised more than $2000.
Last year, the pair rowed continuously for 12 hours on a rower to raise money for Howick Pakuranga Baseball players competing at the U15 World Championships.
Han rowed 103,886 metres during the event, and Carr an astonishing 136,273 metres.
Variety is also planning to auction a $5 note signed by the late Sir Edmund Hillary, who famously conquered Mount Everest in the Himalayas in 1953 and was an early Variety patron.
Variety chief executive Susan Glasgow says this wasn’t just a physical challenge but a testament to endurance, strength and mental fortitude.
“We’re thrilled Kay and Jacob love pushing their physical limits in this way, and at the same time raising money for Variety because everyone knows good quality sleep is essential for everyone to achieve at their peak each day.”
Les Mills says the company prides itself on its vibrant and inclusive communities within its 12 clubs across New Zealand.
“Our commitment goes beyond fitness…we’re dedicated to making a difference in supporting local communities.
“Partnering with Variety allows us to support those who need it the most.”
People can donate to the Variety Winter Appeal online at www.varietywinterappeal.org.nz.
