Publish date: 5 December 2022
Dr James Melling, the trust’s colorectal surgeon and lead for paediatric general surgery, cycled to the height of the summit of Mount Everest to raise money for the hospital’s charitable arm.
James, who lives in Norley, biked up Peaslow Hill in the Peak District 68 times in one day last month to cover the 8,848m height of the world’s tallest mountain.
He did so to support WHH Charity, which provides additional comforts, care and experiences for the direct benefit of hospital patients and their families, beyond which the NHS is able to provide.
“The challenge is simple but brutal. Pick a hill and cycle up and down it repeatedly until you have reached 8,848 metres. Stopping to eat is allowed, but no sleeping,” he said.
“I did Land’s End to John O'Groats last year, and that was a walk in the park compared to what this was.
“It ended up taking 19 hours and 30 minutes due to temperatures being well over 30C in the sun, meaning shorter efforts and more breaks required to avoid heat stroke.
“I started at 4.30am in the mist and moonlight, and finally completed 68 ascents and just over 8,900m climbing at around midnight.
“It was horrible, and easily the hardest physical thing I have ever done, but knowing people had sponsored me for WHH charity meant I simply could not quit.
“Thanks to all who have supported me, and please consider a donation to WHH Charity to help spur me on through the saddle sores.”
Helen Higginson, the charity’s head of fundraising, added: “We are once again blown away with the incredible endurance tests James challenges himself to help raise fund for our patients.
“The passion to make a difference means the world to us here at WHH.”
James raised over £1200 for WHH Charity.