More than 90 families consisting of students, parents and alumni from King William’s College and The Buchan have completed ’The Everest Challenge’, raising £2,365 for the Children’s Centre.

The virtual climbing challenge, organised by the school’s sports departments, involved the groups climbing 3,871 stair flights, which is equivalent to the height of Everest, the world’s highest mountain.

Buchan PE teacher Cliff Dunn said: ’Our students have continued to work hard on their fitness and skills over the lockdown and we wanted to challenge pupils and their families to something they could do together, whilst also raising funds for a very deserving charity.’

More than 400 climbers, aged two to 83 years old, climbed stairs, hills and even a couple of mountains - sending in their flight totals from across the island, the UK, Europe and the US.

They hit the 8,850m target and by the challenge’s end had climbed 23,356m.

Children’s Centre fundraising manager Jane Howland said: ’Our work with children and young people focuses on supporting them through difficult times, challenging them to find success in their lives and encouraging them to see the world through different eyes.

’The virtual climbing challenge is a perfect metaphor for the work we do - we are about stretch, challenge, enthusiasm, team work and collaboration, both in our work with children and families, and in our fundraising.

’We are always grateful of such support, but now in current covid times more grateful than ever.’

Centre head Joff Whitten said: ’The funds raised will go directly to working with young people.

’The very basic cost of our work is £40 an hour so the money raised will pay for nearly 60 hours working with a child or young person in need.’