Sport Lancaster has completed the 50-50-500 Charity Challenge, raising over £800 in support of the local charity, St John’s Hospice.

The challenge ran for 50 days, during which the Sport Lancaster team took on three ambitious physical feats, alongside ongoing raffles, book sales, and cake sales in the building’s reception area.

To begin the fundraising, on Tuesday 1 April, staff aimed to climb the height of Mount Everest on the Stairmaster, and exceeded their target by climbing 17,696 metres in one day; the equivalent of two Mount Everests.

Mid-challenge, the team set out to swim the length of the English Channel in Sport Lancaster’s Swimming Pool.

Melinda Brookes, Operations Manager (Customer Experience), commented:

“Our amazing team once again exceeded their goal by swimming to France, back to England, and halfway back to France again.”

On Tuesday 20 May, to mark the 50th and final fundraising day, the team began walking the 80-mile distance from Lancaster to York on the University’s campus footpaths.

By close of play on Tuesday 20 May, the mileage had passed York and continued onto the east coast town of Bridlington, totalling 111 miles.

Melinda said:

“The team here at Sport Lancaster is so proud to have completed the challenge by exceeding every target we set, including the initial fundraising target of £500.”

“A massive thank you to everyone who supported us by donating to the charity.”

St John’s Hospice provides outstanding care to people with life-limiting illnesses throughout North Lancashire, South Lakes, and parts of North Yorkshire.

The £800 raised by Sport Lancaster will go directly to the Hospice and support their mission.

Donations can still be made here and will not be counted in Sport Lancaster’s overall fundraising amount.

Follow Sport Lancaster on Facebook and Instagram to view highlights of the 50-50-500 Challenge.

Find out more about Sport Lancaster.