Ex-Royal Marine from East Lothian to virtually climb Mount Everest

A former Marine from East Lothian will take on the challenge this weekend of completing a rope climb equivalent to the height of Mount Everest to raise money for NHS Charities Together.

Kenny Simm, from Haddington will begin the challenge at 6am on Saturday morning and endeavour to complete the challenge within 48 hours without sleeping.

The 38-year-old, who served with the Royal Marines for 10 years, has set up an 8m climbing rope in his garden and will rope climb a total of 8848m, livestreaming the challenge throughout.

“I came up with the idea because a dream of mine is to climb Everest,” said Kenny, “I’m into mountaineering and I originally made a frame in my garden with a 6m rope, but during some training it snapped.

Kenny will be supported by his family, including his 7 year old son Hugo, as he raises money for the NHS

“A friend of mine who does scaffolding for Midlothian Roofing Service kindly built a scaffolding for me which has an 8m rope, so I’m hopefully going to do the same distance but in less time.”

Kenny, who has surpassed his original target to raise £1000, came up with the idea to do the climb for charity just last week, inspired by his mother-in-law, who previously worked for the NHS for 35 years, and his sister-in-law, currently working on the frontline in the coronavirus ward in Edinburgh.

“Hearing the stories about how hard it has been, it spurs you on to do something,” he added “I don’t think NHS workers get the recognition they deserve and I hope that after this all ends they will get some kind of reward for their work.”

Kenny, who now works as a mechanical fitter, was previously part of the British Bobsleigh team and narrowly missed out on a spot at the Olympics, and has also been competing in international strongman competitions.

Kenny will climb the rope set up in his garden

Supported by his wife Elizabeth, and 7-year-old son Hugo, Kenny will aim for 25 climbs per hour, climbing for two hours on with a half hour break before starting up again.

“The hardest thing will just be getting through the cramps, it is meant to be a warm weekend so I will be trying to keep eating and drinking and we have a pool set up which will be filled with water so I can soak and recover before climbing again,” he added, “I won’t be sleeping but I have Monday and Tuesday off work - so if it takes a bit longer it is fine!”

On the Just Giving fundraiser page he wrote: “During these difficult times with lockdown and self isolation we take for granted just how lucky we are staying safe in our own homes with all the luxuries we have to that end I'm setting myself a bit of a challenge climbing up a 8 metres rope and abseiling down in my garden completing 8848m the height of Mt Everest in 48hrs with no sleep.

“I will be raising money for the NHS men and women who are risking their lives during this global pandemic who are doing an incredible extraordinary job of saving lives!

“NHS staff and volunteers are doing amazing work right now in caring for COVID-19 patients.Together, let's show our respect and gratitude as they work tirelessly in the face of the virus. It's our turn to make sure we look after them, to ensure they can keep doing their vital work.”

While Everest isn’t on the cards when international travel begins again, Kenny has plans to take on Mont Blanc in the Swiss Alps next year.

Those wishing to donate to the fundraiser can do so here.