A former Commando in the Royal Marines is attempting to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest on a StairMaster to raise money for a very worthy cause.
And if that wasn’t enough of a gruelling challenge, he’s aiming to do it in less than 12 hours too.
After a career spent in the Royal Marines, Josh Griffin – a father of one from Manchester – is attempting a feat like nothing else he has faced before by attempting to reach what would be the equivalent to the summit of the tallest mountain in the world.
With travel restrictions amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic preventing a trip to Nepal though, he’s going to do it on StairMaster instead.
On average, it usually takes climbers around two months to summit Everest, but with factors such as high altitude and uncontrollable weather conditions out of the way, Josh is aiming to scale it in a fraction of the time.
ADVERTISEMENT
Behind what may initially seem like an extremely ambitious idea though, there’s a very important reason motivating him to completing this challenge. He has organised this mission to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK, after his father was diagnosed with early stage Prostate Cancer back in 2018.
As described in the description of his GoFundMe page, Josh said: “Like many other families who have a loved one diagnosed with cancer, it came as a complete shock. Even though 1 in 2 people will get cancer, we never think it will be us or our loved ones,
ADVERTISEMENT
“With the amazing work that Prostate Cancer UK do, people like my Dad who are diagnosed now stand a better chance than ever of beating this terrible disease.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFPjmi7HFQ9/
A present, statistics show that one man dies from prostate cancer every hour in the UK and deaths are set to soar over the next decade. By finding better tests, better treatments, better prevention and better support, Prostate Cancer UK is aiming to dramatically reduce the number of lives lost to the disease each year.
“You can’t control everything that happens to you, but you can control the way you respond, and in your response is your greatest power” Josh added.
ADVERTISEMENT
Josh’s fundraising target is currently set at £5,000.
Speaking to The Manc ahead of the challenge – which is due to take place at Pure Gym in Moston on an unconfirmed date in the new year – Josh said: As a former Royal Marine, I’m used to pushing and testing my physical and mental limits,
“What I have planned [though] will be my single biggest feat of physical and mental fortitude to date,
“But I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing this to raise as much money as I can for a charity that means a great deal to my family and thousands more families throughout the UK.”
He added that he knows “the world is a crazy place right now and peoples income and finances have been hit hard”, but that “every donation no matter the amount” means a “great deal” to him, so if you are able to spare a few pounds towards what is an undoubtedly excellent cause, then you can donate to Josh Griffin’s GoFundPage page here.
ADVERTISEMENT
58,070 steps in less than 12 hours – it’s one heck of a challenge, but we reckon he’s up to it,
Good luck, Josh!
Trending
Manchester’s big wheel is returning to Exchange Square for the summer… sort of
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to reach new heights, as the big wheel that once stood proudly in the city centre is making a comeback this summer.
Well… sort of.
That’s because it’s not quite the same big wheel that many will remember from its glory days in locations like Piccadilly Gardens and Exchange Square throughout the 2000s, and more recently Albert Square during last year’s Manchester Christmas Markets – but it is a big wheel and it’s a big wheel that you’ll be able to hop on for a ride.
Celebrating the launch of its new Cloud Frappuccino blended drinks range, Starbucks’ Summer in the Clouds arrives in Exchange Square next Friday and Saturday (24 and 25 July), inviting people to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy panoramic views of the city below from a big Ferris wheel.
The two-day takeover will give customers the chance to unlock a ride on the big wheel with the purchase of any Grande or Venti iced drink from participating Manchester city centre Starbucks stores.
Both in participating stores – which in Manchester are Starbucks stores in the Arndale, City Tower Offices, on Market Street and on Fennel Street – and at the Ferris wheel itself in Exchange Square, you can expect complimentary Cloud Frappuccino-inspired candy floss, live music from DJ and presenter Ethan Porte, and a free photobooth with digital and printed photos.
Alongside the big wheel ride, there’ll also be the chance for members to win exclusive Starbucks merchandise across the two days too.
A limited number of additional ferris wheel ride tokens will also be available to win via the fairground-style Plinko game on site.
The new Starbucks Cloud Frappuccino blended drinks range includes a range of bespoke creations like the Strawberry Matcha Cloud Frappuccino, the Brown Sugar Cloud Frappuccino, and the Caramel Mocha Cloud Frappuccino.
With skyline views and summer sips, Starbucks says its Summer in the Clouds is set to be one of Manchester’s must-visit experiences this month.
Starbucks’ Summer in the Clouds arrives in Exchange Square next Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July.
Featured Image – Cédric Dhaenens (via Unsplash)
Trending
Liam Fray says ‘yes’ to Courteeners supporting Oasis on tour amid rumoured 2027 dates
Danny Jones
Liam Fray has said that the Courteeners are ready to “answer the call” if/when it comes to supporting Oasis on their next big live tour, with rumours of dates for shows in 2027 ramping up.
The fellow Manc favourites were heavily suggested as potential support acts for the Live ’25 reunion gigs, but Cast and Richard Ashcroft were ultimately selected as the warm-ups for the world tour.
With that in mind, when asked if Courteeners would be ready to open up for Oasis on their still only hypothetical tour next year, Fray had a very quick answer:
Not to speak for the Middleton musician, but it’s a bit of a no-brainer, really.
As you can see, in a recent interview with Radio X host Johnny Vaughan promoting the indie rockers’ new single, ‘Plus One Forever’, the 41-year-old frontman made it clear that he and his bandmates would bite hands off if the other Liam and/or his brother Noel offered a slot to them.
The younger Gallagher brother definitely had plenty of fun teasing supports last time around, before making some fairly more obvious posts and then seemingly just announcing them on social media according to his own timeline.
LG does what he wants, after all.
As for the supposed ’12 nights at the Etihad Stadium’ reported recently, not to mention all the other sets across the country that would no doubt follow should they come to fruition, Fray could say little else other than simply “Yes” to the prospect.
Joking, “Well, it is from me – I don’t know if someone else has said no!”, there have been no other indications on this front, but it’s safe to say it’d be a huge booking for everyone involved and a HUGE crowd-pleaser; Liam looks to be working on one of his own, elsewhere, too…
The two lead singers have both graced the stage of the Emirates Old Trafford stadium at Lancashire County Cricket Club, as well as Heaton Park, respectively.
Liam noted that he was at Heaton Park himself for that unforgettable summer last year, and also praised Wigan’s very own Ashcroft for being “unbelievable” when he caught him at Wembley. Big shoes to fill. The question is, who would you like to see supporting Oasis on their possible tour dates in the future?
In the meantime, we’ll have to be satisfied with gearing up for the release of the highly-anticipated reunion documentary, with the title and a first trailer now revealed.
Emily Sergeant -
13th October 2020 
