Hartlepool teen scales height of Mount Snowdon by going up the stairs over 500 times in one day

Flynn, 13, who is a member of Hartlepool Athletics Club, raised £560 for Hartlepool Foodbank by going up the stairs at home 547 times totalling 7,120 steps.

He has inspired other members of the club to take on similar challenges, climbing the equivalent heights of mountains and tall buildings such as Canary Wharf at home to help them keep busy while they are not able to meet and train together.

Flynn’s dad Robin Beach said: “He’s also a member of the 9th Hartlepool Scouts and previously climbed the height of Roseberry Topping and he did that in one go.

“He found that quite easy so he decided to challenge himself a bit more. Flynn usually does the Junior Great North Run for charity so he thought he would do this for the food bank to keep it local.”

Flynn’s challenge was all the more tough as only his steps going upstairs counted towards the total.

His family videoed him doing the challenge live as it happened over Facebook which was watched by family members spread across the world.

The money raised in sponsorship by Flynn, who attends High Tunstall College of Science, will provide a much-needed boost to Hartlepool Foodbank which is continuing to operate during the coronavirus restrictions.

Robin added: “We are proud of him. The following weekend, the athletics club used it to challenge other kids.”

Hartlepool Youth Athletics Club, has been setting members a different challenge for the last seven weeks as part of a Stay Fit Campaign including having to complete 30 10-second sprints and recording their distances walking, running or cycling.

They have been sharing their efforts on the club’s Facebook page and by taking part have a chance to win a signed vest belonging to Olympic long jumper Chris Thomlinson.

John Spence, head coach of Hartlepool Youth Athletics Club, said: “Flynn decided he would do his own challenge which is brilliant.

“It inspired everyone.”

To sponsor Flynn visit ‘Stair climb equivalent to climbing Mt Snowdon’ on Virginmoneygiving.com

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