AN ILKLEY man scaled the equivalent height of Mount Everest in what is believed to be world record time in the first of 24 tough fundraising challenges for charity.

Tim Brayshaw arrived at Clip n Climb, Station Plaza, at 6am on December 23.

Twelve hours and 48 minutes later - with several short breaks for assistance from physiotherapists - he completed the 8,848 metre climb.

About 50 people cheered him on as he managed the final few metres, physically exhausted and with blistered hands.

He is awaiting official confirmation that his climb is a new world record. The previous recorded world best for climbing the same distance is more than 13 hours.

Mr Brayshaw admits it was tough going.

"I'd just got to about 600 times up the wall, and every bit of my body was saying 'just stop'. It was unbelievable."

The climb has raised more than £1,000 towards the work of Raleigh International.

Mr Brayshaw, 43, has set himself 24 challenges to raise awareness and funds as he prepares to go to Nepal and work with volunteers as part of Raleigh International’s expedition programme. He will be volunteering on projects to improve the resilience of the community, and helping them to protect their natural resources, helping to make a genuine difference.

Although he is looking forward to some time to rest, he will get on his bike in January for his next challenge - to cycle the length of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

After that, he plans to run the length of the Dales Way in February.

Visit timbrayshaw.com for more details.

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