The 10-hour challenge, twice the height of Everest, took place on Keynsham’s high-street in Bristol at 8:00am on 15 October.
Bristol After Stroke is an independent, local charity based in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, helping people to rebuild their lives after a stroke. Its services include a combination of practical, social, emotional and psychological support to stroke-affected people and their loved ones.
Mike set up Leaner for Life in 2020 to help people lose weight, reduce the risks of coronary heart disease (CHD), lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and to just enjoy exercise as part of this process.
As part of his work, Mike works to change his client’s mindset and create weekly or daily habits, from exercise to diet, that will stay with them once they have finished.
Mike Spiring, online body transformation coach and volunteer for the Bristol After Stroke Charity, said:
“Last year, my old school friend had a life-changing stroke at the age of 54. Being in the fitness industry myself, he asked me if I’d help him with his rehabilitation while he was in care at Bristol After Stroke Charity.”
“Not only did I want to help my friend, I also wanted to raise funds for the charity that does so much good for so many people – In the last few months alone, I’ve known three people who have suffered strokes.”
“I was doing the charity climb on the Versaclimber LX, which I have used for a number of years now. To me, it’s about getting a cardiovascular work-out to improve stamina and burn calories, but the biggest advantage is that it’s low impact so it’s perfect for rehabilitation. It also works a whole range of muscles.”
“The clients I work with also enjoy training on the machine. If they have hip or back injuries, they can get a great workout, without having to go running or participate in high-intensity interval training (HIIT). They just simply enjoy training on the machine.”
Operations manager of Versaclimber UK Ltd, Ryan Kelford, added:
“We’re delighted to have played even a small role in such a fantastic challenge for charity. It’s always a pleasure to be able to give people, and we’re glad that Mike’s open air challenge prompted other passersby to exercise and stay fit. Bringing a second climber on the day to support Mike’s challenge proved to be successful, as people walking on the high-street were keen to join in, help raise money for the cause and see how the machine works.”
To support Mike’s fundraising efforts, visit his Just Giving page and follow his journey on Facebook.