STAFF and customers at Swindon Audi yesterday donned their mountain gear in an attempt to climb more than 8,800 meters – the equivalent of scaling Mt. Everest.

The fearless climbers took up the challenge in a bid to raise £10,000 for cancer support charity Macmillan.

Richard Fellows, head of business at Swindon Audi, said: “It has been really well received so far. We have been working closely with Macmillan for a while and it’s great to be able to do something like this to raise money for them.”

The Nepalese mountain stands at 8,848 meters and 60 climbers – a mixture of staff and customers – between them planned to undertake a massive 1,225 climbs in 12 hours to reach their target.

At just after 10.30 yesterday morning, the number of completed climbs was at 358 and the amount raised stood at a very impressive £5,500.

The event, which took place at Swindon Audi, Delta Business Park, also treated volunteers to a DJ set and a hog roast.

Daniel Bull, 29, sales manager and DJ for the day, said: “It’s been great so far and everyone has been willing to get involved. We’re a big business and we should do more things like this.”

Site manager Sabi, 26, said: “It’s great to support such a really good cause. I’m trying to do as many climbs as I can but after a while your fingers start to hurt and your arms get tired, but it’s good fun and all for charity.”

Rachel Smith, from Macmillan, said: “It is a fabulous event and is really helping to raise the charity’s profile.”