‘Tough challenge’ - South Shields dad and daughter scale more than 29,000 feet for charity
A South Shields dad and daughter have raised thousands by scaling the height of the world’s tallest mountain.
A South Tyneside dad and daughter proved they had a spring in their steps when they scaled a mountainous fitness challenge and smashed their fundraising goal.
Super fit David Fairlamb, 54, and Georgia Sybenga, 26, between them topped the equivalent 29,031ft height of Mount Everest on a static vertical climbing machine.
In doing so, they had their heads in the clouds by raising £788 above their £4,000 target for Cash For Kids: Mission Christmas appeal.
They undertook their epic adventure from within the relative comfort of Newcastle’s indoor Eldon Square shopping centre, close to the Monument Metro station, on Saturday, October 17.
‘A tough challenge’
And David and Georgia, who are from South Shields and own and run Jesmond’s Climbahub gym, completed it in four hours and 43 minutes, ahead of their predicted six-hour time.
A delighted Georgia said: “It was an amazing experience with all the support around us, so many people came down to watch and people stopped who were in Eldon Square to try the machine.
“It was a tough challenge, especially with all of the eyes on us, but I'm so proud to say we smashed it and even shaved an hour off our expected time.
“It was incredible to see so many people there, to support us including many clients from ClimbaHub, David Fairlamb fitness and family and friends, as well as the charity themselves, who are simply incredible.
“The support really has been incredible, and we are so proud that we smashed our fundraising target, so a huge thank you to everyone who donated to such a wonderful cause.”
Donating to Cash for Kids
Georgia and David each scaled the equivalent of half of the world’s highest peak on the VersaClimber machine, swapping over at various stages until they reached the top.
The gym, which is co-owned by TV presenter Steph McGovern, regularly holds classes on the specialist climbing equipment.
A second VersaClimber machine sat beside them for the public to try out, though any height climbed did not count towards the challenge goal.
Cash for Kids North East Christmas Appeal raises money to provide disadvantaged children with a festive gift.
Donations can still be made at: https://www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/mission-christmas-2026-fundraising-north-east-england.