On August 28th, Astrid Brocklehurst-Flynn,, aged just eight years old, took on Mount Everest from the slopes of Chill Factore, Manchester.
Raising money for the charity Together for Short Lives, Astrid skied the vertical height of Everest, a distance of 29,029ft, in less than 12 hours. The challenge saw her complete 222 runs of the Chill Factore slope, the longest real snow slope in the UK.
Together for Short Lives supports children who have life limiting or life threatening conditions, giving them the opportunity to enjoy experiences and make memories with their friends and families. Astrid has chosen this charity as her cousin was born last year with both Downs Syndrome and heart problems, which meant he spent a lot of time in and out of hospital, including having open heart surgery just after he was born.
Nathan Fuller, Fundraising Events Officer at Together for Short Lives said “We are blown away by Astrid’s enthusiasm and the sheer scale of the challenge she is taking on for us. Skiing the equivalent height of Mount Everest in just one day is unthinkable for most adults, yet at only eight years old, Astrid has built the skill and determination she needs to face up to the task. Incredible! All the money she raises will support seriously ill children and their families to make the most of every moment together, a sentiment we know Astrid has taken to heart.”
Astrid began skiing aged 3 and has been heading to Chill Factore regularly ever since, where she also works on her snowboarding skills. She now does ski race training every week and has been a Chill Factore sponsored athlete for the past two years. This year, she placed third overall in the GBR indoor series and under 10 level.
Chill Factore CEO, Morwenna Angove said: “What a unique and inspiring way to raise money for Together for Short Lives. Astrid took on the bold challenge of skiing 222 runs in under 12 hours and we are so proud to support her as a sponsored athlete here at Chill Factor e”
Astrid is hoping to raise £2000 for Together for Short Lives. To donate, head to her JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/astrid-ski-everest
Astrid With GB Skiing Star Dave ‘The Rocket’ Ryding