IT takes endurance and an iron will to even consider scaling the world’s highest peak, but this is exactly what Saval man Damien Hillen aims to do from the safety of his back garden after undertaking his own ‘Everest Challenge’.
Mount Everest stands 8,848 metres high, and Damien’s challenge is to climb 104,094 steps (covering the trek to the top of Everest and back down) on the five steps in his back garden.
He aims to complete this by May 31. and the entire club and community have thrown their weight behind him, with over £6,000 raised so far.
Considering Damien – an U14 girls coach at Saval - underwent major heart surgery just 12 months ago, this is a huge challenge. But it one he’s embracing, with all funds raised going to the Chest, Heart & Stroke Association, as well as towards the development of a new community walkway.
“It takes focus, discipline and a little bit of madness for anyone to take this on but if there was ever a time for focus, discipline and a large helping of madness, then it is in the midst of this current crisis,” said Jimmy McAloon, U14 coach and development officer at the club.
“We’re all struggling but Damien’s not sitting back feeling sorry for himself. Twelve months ago he underwent major heart surgery followed by a year of ups and downs, progress and setbacks, adjusting to new norms, meds and lifestyle adjustments.
“Just when Damien was getting on top of things and throwing himself into coaching, the coronavirus crisis kicked off.
“Obviously with what he has been through, he can’t afford to expose himself to any chance of picking up the virus so lockdown means complete lockdown.
“But sitting back and feeling sorry for himself is just not Damien’s style.”
How true that is as, on top of his ‘Everest Challenge”, the 46-year-old is also walking a marathon every week in his 10-metre long garden.
And Saval have called upon as many people as possible to follow his lead between now and May 31 – either completing the 104,094 step climb (stairs/steps/hills) or walking the equivalent (approximately 80km).
“Our target is to support Damien in his challenge and in the process raise much-needed funding, which will go to support Chest, Heart & Stroke and the development of a new community walkway,” said McAloon.
“The club has committed to the development of a walkway open to all in our community, and it will be an amazing resource for all of us to enjoy when this crisis has passed. We want to get a minimum of 100 people/families involved and are asking everyone to pledge £50 and take up the challenge.
“The response has been amazing so far. Let’s come together as a club, get the trainers and boots on and join Damien on this journey.”
To sign up, contact Jimmy McAloon on 07928 671816, or contact any committee member. The club has also set up a Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/savaleverestchallenge
