Penwortham man's ambitious fundraiser to climb the height of Everest - on his staircase!

Dave Rose, 33, came up with the idea for the challenge when he saw an ex marine, Matthew Disney, scale the equivalent of the highest mountain in the solar system.

The adventurous dad, who has been looking after Eddie four, and Ava, nearly one, at home, is hoping the challenge, in aid of NHS Charities Together, will keep him focused.

He has just been furloughed from his role as a senior national accounts manager for a drinks company, and is hoping the steps attempt at his home on Priory Crescent may eventually make the Guinness Book of Records.

He will climb the equivalent of 8,848 metres - or just over 29,000 feet - as supporters watch his progress via a live feed on social media.

He said: "In light of recent events and with the lock down firmly in place, I wanted to play my part in supporting the NHS for the fantastic work they do and specially through this Covid- 19 crisis.

"People who know me will understand I cannot sit still for more than five minutes so this challenge will help me keep sane during the lockdown.

"In keeping with government guidelines I thought the only thing I can do is scale my stairs.

"I'm trying to do it in the quickest time I've ever done it.

"Many people have been affected by this terrible virus and the money raised will go towards supporting the NHS in all that they do."

Dave, who lives with partner Kelly, an NHS administrator, will begin the challenge at 6am on Saturday and is hoping to complete it in less than 12 hours.

It is thought he will climb at least 45,000 steps - supported part of the way by Eddie, four, who will be covering a small section of the steps to help his Dad when he needs a rest.

Dave added: " He likes a challenge himself."

He has raised £2,000 so far on his link at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-rose48