Fitness coach ‘climbs’ Everest in his home

Adam Heywood walked 11 miles up and down his stairs
Adam Heywood walked 11 miles up and down his stairs

A strength and conditioning coach has ‘climbed’ Mount Everest during the lockdown to raise awareness and funds for a mental health charity.

Adam Heywood, a senior fitness coach at Life Leisure in Stockport, came up with the ‘Everest for the Boys’ challenge to raise money for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which runs a helpline supporting anyone suffering from anxiety, loneliness or isolation, particularly aimed at young men.

Adam, 32, who has suffered from depression, walked up and down his stairs almost 5,000 times while wearing a 10kg vest – so far raising £600 for the charity. He averaged around 9,000 steps a day for seven days, covering the equivalent of 11 miles.

He said: “Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day.

“CALM is a charity which is aimed directly at young men, speaks to them in a language they understand and raises awareness that it’s ok to talk about their feelings.

“With what’s happening in the world right now everyone is feeling more pressure – whether that’s financial, health, family, isolation, or something else.

“Organisations like CALM are vital to supporting mental wellbeing – but are especially important in times like these.

“I’ve always suffered with my mental health. It wasn’t until speaking about my feelings that things started getting better. Organisations like CALM talk to people at their lowest moments – I can’t think of a better time to show my support.”

Adam, from Droylsden, completed the challenge while on furlough from Life Leisure. The sports and leisure provider has been temporarily closed to the public as a result of the pandemic, but has been encouraging staff and members to stay active at home.