William Hands to climb Everest virtually by scaling local landmark

Staff at William Hands, a manufacturer of high quality, dynamic commercial furniture for the workplace, are hoping to virtually scale Mount Everest by Christmas in aid of our Step 2 It campaign by repeatedly climbing a local landmark.

The team plan on making over 50 trips up West Wycombe Hill to reach the same cumulative journey above sea as Mount Everest, which is 8,849m.

The hill, which is on the doorstep of William Hands’ factory in Buckinghamshire, stands at 165m high and has an ancient fort at the top, between the mausoleum and the church.

Robert Hamilton, CEO at William Hands, said: “We are encouraging anyone in the business to take a few minutes out of the day and make the short climb. Sometimes that will be individuals just stretching their legs or a small group over lunch. We have had several families go and do it together at the weekend which really shows a level of commitment that is great.  

“I am extremely pleased we are doing this. Not just for the good cause we are all supporting but it is without doubt a positive distraction and excuse to grab some quality country air during the working day. I personally have used these climbs as a solo head clearing exercise, heart to heart with a colleague, we have even taken up the entire sales team as part of a sales meeting and probably our favourite was a Friday afternoon with fish and chips and a cheeky glass of wine to celebrate the week looking over the Wycombe valley.”

The team are hoping to raise £1,000 for the Step 2 It campaign, which was launched in May 2021 with the hope of encouraging people in the UK furnishing industry to help raise £250,000 by organising sports-based fundraisers.

Commenting on Step 2 It, Robert said: “The campaign is very close to our hearts. We have deep routes as a High Wycombe business and see the challenges that that the pandemic has cast upon our community. The support that this charity gives those that have served in our industry is something that we can all feel proud in being a part of.”