A man is closing in on completing 1,000 climbs of the same fell and is calling on local people to help him raise money.

69-year-old Steve Hartley, who lives in Wigton, is raising money for Eden Valley Hospice by climbing the 1,500ft Carrock Fell, which he began in 2013, and is aiming to make 100 ascents each year, the equivalent to climbing Everest from sea level five times.

Almost a decade after beginning, Steve wants to mark the milestone by raising money for the hospice which has helped care for his wife Jan, who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS), over several years. 

Steve, who is retired but is a full-time carer for Jan, said: “Over the years Eden Valley Hospice has provided great support to Jan through their Day Services for people with life-limiting diseases.

“They have also provided respite breaks from time to time, giving me the opportunity to have short periods away from home. 

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“The hospice provides much more than palliative care which is the role that most people perceive.

“It also provides physical and emotional support to family members impacted by life-limiting conditions.” 

The walks up Carrock Fell take Steve just over an hour to do and barring any injuries or illness, he anticipates completing his thousandth ascent in September – at which point he hopes he might be able to start walking up a different mountain.

“We used to be keen hill walkers in the past until MS took away Jan’s physical abilities,” Steve added. 

“Given my caring role, going out for all-day climbing adventures has become impractical and Carrock Fell is both a good climb, a workout, and can be done without disrupting her care for too long.” 

“Covid-19 has put paid to several of the hospice's functions and has also impacted on its ability to raise funds for its vital activities.

“I saw achieving my goal as an opportunity to repay the hospice in some modest way.”

To donate to his JustGiving page, click here.

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