A GROUP of enthusiastic fundraisers scaled new heights in an effort to raise money for good causes.

Intrepid teams from Stannah Stairlift Limited took on ‘Challenge Everest’ but they did not have to go far as the staff used the four-flight staircase at the company’s headquarters in Andover.

Each participant had to climb the sets of stairs 442 times – the equivalent of climbing Everest – to complete the distance.

Two teams, coined Team Hilary and Team Tenzing, took part in the challenge with the groups taking five hours and over eight hours respectively.

Despite one member of team Tenzing having to withdraw with an injury, other Stannah employees including managing director Tim Eagles stepped in to help the team complete the challenge.

Stannah’s engage project support Sammie Cook said: “We wanted to set ourselves a fundraising challenge that we could achieve within the walls of Stannah’s head office using only the resources we had at our disposal. Not having to spend money on travel and other expenses means that 100 per cent of the money raised will go to our two chosen charities.

“We would all like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us with ‘Challenge Everest’, whether through sponsorship or by cheering us on throughout the day.”

The teams were fundraising for the British Heart Foundation and the Countess of Brecknock Hospice.

The challenge provided an extra boost from Stannah’s 150 fund, to mark its 150th anniversary, which means that the grand total is likely to reach nearly £5,000.