Sheffield Student Brings Everest to England

1st December 2020

A student at the University of Sheffield, Joel Kiernan, has completed the ‘Everest in England’ challenge in order to raise funds for Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

The challenge, which involves climbing various tors and peaks across the country to the height of 29,000 feet – the same altitude as Mount Everest – over a 12 day period, is not for the feint hearted. But none of that fazed Joel, 22, who was determined to do his bit for Sheffield Hospitals Charity and ensure that his efforts make a real difference to vital services right here in Sheffield. 

Having been involved in a serious accident in February this year, Joel’s life was left in the hands of surgeons at the Northern General Hospital. Not only did they save his life, but this gave Joel a real motivation to give something back. 

Joel, who started the challenge at the foot of Brea Hill in Cornwall, and finished at the peak of Scafell Pike, said: “Following my accident, the gratitude I feel for the staff that treated me is immeasurable and I will forever feel in their debt. 

“I know that Sheffield Hospitals Charity does incredible work to support our NHS here in Sheffield and so I wanted to do my bit to repay that debt – and this seemed like a really fantastic way to do that. 

“I’ll be honest and say that it was a real challenge, but knowing the reason that I was taking part gave me all of the motivation that I needed. I am so grateful for all the support people have shown me and I’d greatly appreciate any further kind donations.” 

Joel is raising funds on his justgiving and he has already raised over £3,000. If you want to support Joel, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joel-kiernan-everestengland 

Gareth Aston, Chief Executive Officer of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: "Joel’s challenge is just incredible and to finish it is a mammoth effort. To anybody else, the mere thought of climbing 29,000 feet is enough to make you tired! 

“But this just shows the gratitude that Joel feels for the staff that saved his life. And we at Sheffield Hospitals Charity continue to do that we can to support our much loved hospitals. 

“We know how much our hospitals are loved, so if you want to get involved in your own fundraising challenge then please get in touch with us at fundraising@shct.nhs.uk”