An OSWESTRY woman has spent her time in lockdown climbing the height of the world’s tallest mountain from the comfort of her own home.

Annie Kerr took on the challenge of climbing her stairs almost 3,000 times, along with some extra uphill walking outdoors, to climb the same number of metres from the ground to the summit of Mount Everest.

She took on the challenge in aid of a cause close to her heart – the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT).

Having supported the charity for many years, Annie wanted to use the spare time she had during lockdown to do something big to raise funds for the charity.

After completing the challenge by climbing 10 flights of stairs every morning, Annie managed to raise more than £600, and says she found the challenge enjoyable.

She said: “I did enjoy it and I’m still going up 10 flights of stairs every morning now.

“It’s good exercise and it doesn’t take too long, so it’s part of my routine now.

“I’ve completed the challenge now, and it took me two-and-a-half months.

“It was really an idea I had because of lockdown – because I was doing a lot of walking, I decided to do something else with it.

“After contacting the charity, they said they were holding the Everest climb as a bit of an event, so I thought I’d give it a go.”

The GWT raises funds for Gurkha veterans, their families and communities in Nepal.

Money goes towards a range of things; from providing pensions for the Gurkhas, to building schools and earthquake-proof houses.

Annie added: “When I was young, I remember hearing about the Gurkhas and my father explained to me who they were.

“They always intrigued me because they always seemed such loyal and fantastic people, and I eventually had the opportunity to meet a few.

“They were lovely people.

“I went to a Nepalese restaurant and while I was there, I noticed a collection tin which was collecting money for the Gurkha Welfare Trust, so that was where I first heard of them.

“I’ve been supporting them for years since, but this is the first time I have done something big for the charity.”

If you would like to sponsor Annie for her efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/annietheclimber