Harrogate woman climbing Eiger at her own house to fundraise for mental health

The intrepid Victoria Morris is currently climbing a phenomenal 5,900ft on the ‘north face’ of her home in aid of Mental Health Awareness Week.

And, for every £1,000 she raises, Victoria is spending a night on a porta-ledge on the wall of her home.

Speaking to the Harrogate Advertiser today while swinging from a rope, Victoria said: "I did another night on the porta-ledge last night, and then 40 ascents this morning, which brings me to 360.

"I've had to stop for a couple of online meetings in my day job, and then I want to do another 50 this afternoon, leaving 82 for tomorrow.

"Fingers crossed no more sponsorship comes in this afternoon, so I don't have to sleep out tonight as well."

Victoria's incredible effort to climb the equivalent of what is one of the most iconic and dangerous features of the Swiss Alps, is in support of Mental Health Research UK and NHS Charities Together.

The technique Victoria is using to 'conquer' the north face of her home, Mayfield Cottage, involves a 'prusik knot' to ascend a fixed rope.

If she can repeat this 492 times it will be equivalent to the height of the north face of the Eiger: 5,900 feet.

So far Victoria has completed 360 of her 492 ascents, raising nearly £3,000, which means he has spent two nights sleeping on the porta-ledge on the back of her house!

The inspiration for her epic feat came from Mental Health Awareness Week.

Victoria said: “I wanted to come up with a challenge which would be something that I would never have dreamed of doing had COVID-19 not come along to disrupt ordinary life, and that at the same time would hopefully make people smile – maybe even help improve their mental health during these uncertain times.”

“While there are many charities which support people experiencing mental health difficulties, MHRUK is unique in that it funds research into the causes and cures of mental illnesses.”

New Stray photos show repair work progress at West Park in Harrogate

The money raised by Victoria for MHRUK goes directly towards funding vital mental health research.

MHRUK is already making three PhD scholarship awards with its current funds.

But, in recognition of the significant impact COVID-19 is having on people’s mental health, MHRUK is now raising funds to support an additional scholarship this year, related to COVID-19.

Clair Chilvers, Chair of MHRUK, added: “COVID-19 is having a substantial impact on people’s mental health in a number of ways.

She said: "People who are seriously ill with the disease may suffer longer term psychological effects.

"In addition, the prolonged strain of living under lockdown is causing a significant rise in stress and anxiety in many people across the country.

"We need to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on people’s mental health in order to make sure they receive the best treatment and support as we recover from the effects of the pandemic.”

To find out more about Victoria’s challenge and make a donation visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=mappamorris&pageUrl=3

Harrogate mum's 'support new woodland' plea in memory of beloved husband

New Stray photos show repair work progress at West Park in HarrogateA message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.