MOUNTAIN rescue volunteers have joined forces with Gurkha soldiers to complete a challenging wall climb the equivalent of Everest to raise cash for Nepalese disaster victims.

Members of the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team (SMRT) wanted to pledge their support to the Nepalese community, and on Saturday, May 30, a team of 25 volunteers were joined by a 200-strong group of Gurkhas at a Catterick Garrison climbing wall.

SMRT member Tim Cain said it was a tough challenge but also a lot of fun.

“Our challenge was to climb the equivalent of Everest in 12 hours, but between us we managed it seven.

“Each ascent of the wall counted towards the total of 8,850 metres, and we did more than 800 in that time – this is made even more significant because many of the Gurkhas had never climbed a wall before.

“It was a real physical challenge but it was for such a worthwhile cause that is starting to be forgotten about in the media – but it was also a lot of fun and it was great to really cement our relationship with the Gurkhas.”

All money raised will be donated to the Gurkha Welfare Trust, which has direct contact with areas most in need in Nepal, and all the cash will be used by the trust to help those in need.

To donate, visit a Just Giving page set up to support the team at https://www.justgiving.com/Swaledale-Mountain-Rescue-Everest-Challenge.