Everest test is a wheel challenge
Matt Griggs is gearing up for one of the toughest climbs of his life.
The former Royal Marine commando is putting his body on the line to raise money for South African child burn victims.
Next week, Mr Griggs will ride the vertical height of Mt Everest to raise money for the Cape Town-based Phoenix Burns Project. His ride To the Peak in a Week will involve more than 250 laps of the steepest point of Perth on Mount Street, an 8890m climb.
"When I was in Iraq, it was the first time I was exposed to the vulnerabilities of children trying to grow up in a chaotic environment," he said.
The Phoenix Burns Project was established in 2006 to help young children who are burnt in their homes.
Mr Griggs said the poor living conditions of these children meant accidents in the home kitchen or fireplace were extremely common.
"The third highest cause of death for children in South African townships is burns in the home, so it is a real problem," he said.
"Whether a child is burnt in a bomb blast or through porridge sticking to their skin, the outcome is the same. A lot of them grow up disconnected from society and turn to crime or prostitution."
Mr Griggs will ride for about two hours each morning from Monday until the following Sunday.
To donate, visit the To the Peak in a Week Facebook page.
