Staff Members Prepare For Ambitious Challenge

Law firm Irwin Mitchell will take on its most ambitious charity challenge to date, when two members of staff attempt to scale the heights of Mount Everest in a bid to raise money for three charities.

But, instead of jetting off to Nepal, the legal duo will attempt a unique take on the Everest expedition – which will see them simulate the climb in the relative warmth of Sheffield.

Over two days, the 1st and 2nd of September, lawyer Andrew Smith and IT technician Scott Flower will begin the challenge with a 5.2km trek from the ‘foot of the mountain’ – Irwin Mitchell’s Riverside offices – to ‘base camp’, which will be set up at Barker’s Pool.

And although Sheffield’s summer climate may prove to be a milder option the pair will still be faced with a gruelling two mile climb, which will be simulated by scaling a 7.4m high climbing wall around 500 times. They will need to climb constantly for 30 hours to complete the distance.

In taking on the mammoth challenge the pair hope to raise money for three charities, including Amy’s House and Sheffield Young Carers – Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office charities of the year – and Help for Heroes.

Andrew Smith, a lawyer in the personal injury team at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The climb is going to be an enormous challenge but Scott and I are both confident we’ll be able to complete it. It is fairly daunting to think we’ll be climbing constantly for 30 hours, particularly as neither of us has ever climbed before, but we’re very grateful to Virgin Active gym for letting us use their climbing wall to train on for free.

“All three charities provide an incredible level of help and support to those in need, and we know they rely heavily on fundraising and donations to continue to provide these crucial services.

“Throughout the day Irwin Mitchell will be putting on a range of entertainment, including local bands and performers. It will be a fantastic day for anyone who wishes to come along, and hopefully they can offer us some extra support and a much-needed boost.”

In addition to the entertainers, two sides of the climbing wall will also be available for public use while Andrew and Scott are taking part in the challenge. 

Adrian Budgen, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell and Chair of the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation, said: “Irwin Mitchell has a long history of charity fundraisers, which have included a 100km walk in 24hrs, a 24 hour row-a-thon and a 36 hour darts marathon. This is possibly our most ambitious yet.

“Andrew and Scott are taking on a massive challenge for charity and we are giving them our full backing. They would value any support available so we hope people will come along on the day to cheer them on.”