Climbing Ben Nevis for KEEN (at home…)

“Climbing 1345m on my home climbing wall (204 laps) for KEEN Oxford because they’re an amazing charity that helps everyone!”

— Nat, Young Leader 2021

Nat is one of our Young Leaders and he’s doing a very special fundraiser! Read below to find out more.

Nat is going to be climbing the verticle height of the tallest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, in one day. This involves 204 laps of his home climbing wall, totalling 1345m (by far the highest he’s climbed in one day). We asked him about this challenge.

You're doing the fundraiser as part of the Young Leaders Programme - but what inspired you to do this challenge in particular?

I absolutely love climbing and, seeing as indoor walls are closed, I thought I would try and do something from the comfort of my own home.

KEEN is an absolutely amazing charity and I have loved being part of it so far. Climbing at home for KEEN therefore combines two things I love and seems to be a perfect opportunity

Have you always been interested in climbing?

I only really started climbing about three years ago and got really into it the last year. I climb at the Brookes university wall in Oxford and compete every now and then.

Tell me a little bit more about your home climbing wall?

During the first lockdown me and my Dad underwent our first ever big DIY project, building a climbing wall in my room. It took a long time but was very fun and I learned a lot. The final product is a 2.5m by 1.5m wall (with a side panel) on a 17 degree overhang. This makes it very tiring to climb!

Are you nervous about doing the challenge? How long will it take you, do you think?

I'm very excited to climb properly and for such a great cause but I'm definitely also quite nervous! I'm expecting it to take between 4 and 5 hours, so muscle strength and most importantly skin strength are going to make it very challenging.