Shropshire Star

Their own Everest: Team set to climb the Wrekin 22 times for Nepal charity effort

Most people find it tough taking it on once, but this team is preparing to climb Shropshire's Wrekin 22 times – in a single day.

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Not only that, but these members of the Royal Military Police will each be carrying rucksacks holding the equivalent of 25 bags of sugar.

The team of 12 will take on the challenge to raise money for volunteer aid workers helping with the relief effort in Nepal, following the recent devastating earthquakes.

It is believed that walking up The Wrekin 22 times is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest, which may have been affected by the quake.

The two teams of six will be in full military gear carrying the heavy rucksacks for the challenge on Wednesday.

Gavin Brooks, who is one of the officers based at Donnington, Telford, said the group was really looking forward to the challenge even though it would be tough.

"It's been brought up a few times that we should do something for charity," he said. "Then when the earthquake happened last month in Nepal, we decided we would raise money for the volunteers who are out there.

"A lot of the volunteers are servicemen and also the Gurkhas are doing a lot, so it's quite close to our hearts.

"I then started to think how high is The Wrekin compared to Everest.

"So I managed to work out that if we climbed The Wrekin 22 times it should be the equivalent of climbing Everest."

Everyone who is taking part in the challenge is based at the Parsons Barracks in Donnington. Even though the group is split into two teams, Mr Brooks, 38, says it's not meant to be a race but he's sure it'll turn out that way.

"We decided to split into two teams so we can look after each other better, but I have no doubt it will get competitive," he said.

"I know once we start there will be a race to finish first.

"But I'm sure it will be a shock to some of them how hard it's actually going to be."

The group is hoping to raise £1,000 for the Gurkhas Welfare Trust and the British Red Cross, who are helping with the relief efforts.

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