CLIMBERS from Boasley Cross, Exbourne and Lydford Primary schools were among those have helped raise hundreds of pounds for YMCA Plymouth by climbing the height of Mount Everest in under 12 hours at The Barn Climbing Centre.

The challenge, which also included students from South Devon College and members of the South Devon Mountaineering Club, saw participants ascend the 8,848 metre height of Everest at The Barn’s indoor climbing wall in 11 hours and 30 minutes.

With all sponsorship now collected from the event held back in March, YMCA Plymouth have been presented with a cheque for £782.

Coach Gavin Kelly, who helped organise the challenge, said: ‘We set an ambitious goal to take on the distance in just 12 hours. I had my doubts whether it was achievable, but we decided to go big and through the massive effort from everyone we were able to achieve such a staggering distance and raise such a large total.

‘We wanted to help people get involved and support a good cause while having a laugh. As someone who spends a lot of time climbing it’s a passion for me, and therefore I’m really happy this is helping more young people get the opportunity to climb.’

The money raised is being donated to local charity YMCA Plymouth, who deliver climbing sessions as part of their ‘YMCA Inclusive’ programme that helps people with disabilities and additional needs take part in sport.

YMCA Plymouth centre manager and climbing instructor Stacey Ferris said: ‘We’re really grateful to all the people that took part in this challenge and raised such a fantastic amount for our club. We’ve been in need of new specialist harnesses and equipment which help assist people when climbing, so this will have an immediate impact on our sessions.

‘Climbing is a brilliant sport which has many health benefits including improving confidence which dose have a big impact on the life of a young person. Because of the effort of all those that took part to in the challenge we’ll really be able give more people access to climbing and all its benefits.’