A MAN has cycled the 'height of Everest' to raise money in memory of his auntie.

Michael Noble chose to do an 'everesting challenge' on the Hedley on Hill Climb near The Feathers Inn pub in Stocksfield to raise money for Maggie's Centre to thank them for looking after his auntie.

An 'everesting challenge' involves cycling up and down the same hill until the equivalent elevation of Mount Everest has been achieved which is 8,849 metres (29,031 feet). It took over 15 hours.

The family ambition is to raise a lot of money for the charity and complete many fundraiser challenges throughout 2023.

So far they have raised more than £8,064.

Hexham Courant:

Speaking about his own challenge, Michael said:"On November 8 2022, we lost my Auntie Thelma to a swift and brutal battle with cancer.

"It's been a huge loss to our large immediate family. Growing up, she was like a second mother to me.

"Thelma was an amazing and selfless woman. She dedicated herself to fundraising and volunteering endeavours home and abroad.

"So in honour of her memory, we created a fundraiser and called ourselves #TeamNana.

"As a family we are completing various fundraising challenges throughout 2023.

"My mam Ange ran 50 miles through February; my cousin Kate is walking 100km a month for three months in a row; Thelma's sister Jenn is taking Thelma's place and will be joining granddaughter Summer who will be taking on the Great North Swim this June; and Thelma's eldest son Glenn (with Jenn), will do the Great North Run in September.

"Thelma's other son Cameron, the spearhead of Team Nana, has completed 24 hours on an exercise bike in February and later this year, he'll be running four miles every five hours for a whole week.

"The aim of these challenges is to raise money for Maggie's Newcastle. Maggie's offer free support to cancer sufferers and their families.

"Thelma's children and husband John found the centre at Newcastle Freeman to be huge solace during Thelma's final days, providing emotional and practical support through the most difficult time of their lives.

"Team Nana plans to raise as much as we can for this amazing charity."