CrossFit Group Completes Everest-Height Step Challenge for Foundation Honoring Young Girl

A CrossFit group has completed a challenge by stepping to an elevation equivalent to the world’s tallest mountain, in tribute to a young girl who passed away unexpectedly. Participants from the Henleaze and Trym club in Bristol box-stepped nearly 9,000 metres – matching the elevation of Mount Everest’s summit – within a 24-hour period. This initiative generated over £18,000 for the Amber Townson foundation, an organization established following the death of the two-year-old in 2023. Tara Townson, Amber’s mother and the founder of the foundation, expressed that receiving such support felt “amazing”. Ms Townson further stated: “One night I put Amber to sleep and she didn’t wake up.” She continued: “I had never heard of Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) and I want to raise more awareness of it.” She noted that research and comprehension regarding SUDC are limited. Ms Townson concluded: “We want to make a difference and ensure no parent endures the heartbreak of losing a child without reason.” She mentioned that following Amber’s birth, they regularly attended a CrossFit class designed for mothers and children. “It was something we did together all her life,” she stated, explaining that this activity inspired the concept for the step challenge. Individually, each team member completed 17,420 steps to achieve an elevation equivalent to that of Everest. The funds collected are designated for SUDC research and for providing assistance to families impacted by the condition. Adam Turpin, who owns two CrossFit gyms in north Bristol, commented: “This was the hardest challenge I’ve ever done, but it was all worth it.” He added: “The support from the local community on the day was amazing and all the kind donations kept us going.” For updates, follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.