Wigan cyclist hits the heights to conquer gruelling hill climbing feat

Everesting, as it is known, involves riding up a hill so many times that the elevation gain overall is equal to the 8,848 metre height of the world’s tallest peak.

For Craig that meant just under 14 hours in the saddle completing 86 ascents of the 14 per cent gradient on a 0.8-mile stretch of Crank Road.

The mammoth task was originally a challenge Craig set himself to mark his 30th birthday but also became a fund-raiser for the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity in memory of his grandad Johnny Ball.

Sadly Johnny, who lived in Orrell, died the day before Craig turned 30 having been looked after by the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre during his battle with lung cancer.

Friends and family lined the road throughout the day to support Craig and relatives and fellow riders from St Helens Cycling Club got on their bikes to support him during the marathon ride of just under 150 miles.

Craig said: “This challenge was something I had been planning for a long time as I wanted to mark my 30th birthday in April with a momentous occasion, although due to lockdown, it changed a little.

“I wanted to set the benchmark for such a huge challenge on the toughest hill for miles around.

“There wasn’t a single lap where I didn’t have support either at the roadside or from people cycling along with me. I’m completely humbled.

“I originally wanted to do it as a personal challenge but my grandad passed away the day before I turned 30 so thought it would be a fitting way to thank the cancer centre who looked after him by supporting their charity.”

Craig’s astonishing efforts in the saddle have already brought in hundreds of pounds for the Birkenhead-based cause.

He started Everesting at 6.15am on Sunday and reached the finishing line just before 10pm.

Progress towards his goal was marked off on a large board containing a number of markers along the way, including the height of Ben Nevis (13 ascents), the Everest base camp (51) and Mount Kilimanjaro (57).

His wife Hannah took on the role of support crew, crossing off each lap and keeping him fuelled with food and drink throughout the challenge.

Craig, who is a partner in a mortgage company, has previously done endurance challenges including riding from Blackpool to Paris.

The family is also arranging for a bench in memory of Johnny to be installed in Orrell Water Park, where he could often be found walking his black labrador Zac.

To donate to Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, visit www.clatterbridgecc.nhs.uk/charity/home