Dad achieves a never-ending Everest challenge

David Bamber, of Penwortham, pedaled to the top of Long Barn Brow, in Hoghton, and back an amazing 172 times in honour of his mum, Jean, who spent time at the hospice, before she died in 1988, aged 38.The 44-year-old is one of only 1,137 people to have tried Everesting, which is a worldwide challenge to pick a hill and ride up and down to the tune of 29,029 feet - the height of Mount Everest.The father-of-three said: “It was a tough challenge - the most difficult thing I have ever done. It was physically exhausting, I started at 4.30am on a Saturday morning and finished at 2.50am on the Sunday. I had a few breaks, but cycled for around 16 hours. I was close to giving up a few times but I am really pleased that I had done it.“I did a lot of my training on the hill in Avenham Park and got stopped a few times by people wondering what I was up to, going up and down all day,“I wanted to do something to give something back to St Catherine’s Hospice as they cared for my mum before she died.“The care they gave her was amazing. I could not thank them enough, so this was my way of saying thank you.“I have done a few things for St Catherine’s Hospice in the past, but this is the maddest thing I have ever done.”Throughout the gruelling challenge David, a train driver, cycled 150.9 miles, ascending 29,133 feet, with a maximum hill gradient of 14 per cent. He also burnt 8,995 calories.To sponsor David, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=DavidBamberEveresting