A dad and daughter duo are set to take on a charity challenge to climb Mount Everest...from inside Eldon Square.
Gym owners Georgia Sybenga, and her dad David Fairlamb, will be taking on the unusual feat of climbing the world’s highest mountain from inside the Newcastle shopping centre by using two static vertical climbing machines – all to raise funds for Cash For Kids: Mission Christmas.
The pair, from South Shields, will be jumping on board their specialist cardio equipment, called VersaClimbers, inside Eldon Square by Monument Metro Station on Saturday 17 October, to ascend the equivalent of the Himalayan peak in front of a live audience of shoppers.
They are hoping to complete the challenge in under six hours,and have already raised over half of their £4,000 goal – which will help to ensure that disadvantaged youngsters across the North East wake up on Christmas day with a present.
Georgia, 26, from South Shields, said: “We really wanted to do something that would push us, and of course climbing Everest is the biggest challenge there is.
“It was an easy decision to do it for Cash for Kids. The work they do is absolutely brilliant, and although it’s a little early to start thinking about Christmas yet, it just breaks my heart to hear how people struggle at that time of year in particular.
“Last year I heard on the radio about Cash for Kids,and a stat that stuck with me was that 46,000 families in the North East are supported by this charity – it’s so close to home, it could even be kids on your street that are struggling.
“So we wanted this to be our little way of supporting the cause and doing something meaningful, while also putting ourselves to the test – even though it will be hard going!”
The duo, who own Jesmond’s Climbahub gym, will scale 14,500 feet each, swapping over until they reach the equivalent of the 29,031ft Everest summit.
The gym, which is co-owned by TV’s Steph McGovern, sees regular classes take place on the unique equipment-complete with headphones and lights to simulate a silent disco exercise experience.
On the day, there will also be a second VersaClimber set up, and although this will not contribute to their final climb, it will give the public the opportunity to jump on and offer support or donate.
Georgia added: “My dad isn’t giving it to me easy mind, we are starting the challenge at 9am, and I am going to be teaching a class beforehand, so I won’t get much of a break!
“We are aiming to do it in under six hours, and while I feel quite prepared for the task, I think it will be so weird having people watching us while they are doing their shopping.
“But it’s a great way to grab attention and raise awareness of what we’re doing, and I’m so glad to be doing it with my Dad.”
Georgia and David, 54, have been training together as well as teaching classes at their gym, which opened in January 2026.
Lisa Fox, Charity Fundraising Executive at Cash for Kids North East, said: “What David and Georgia from Climbahub are taking on is truly incredible.
“Climbing the height of Mount Everest on a VersaClimber is no easy feat, and we’re so grateful they’re doing it to support Mission Christmas.
“Their determination will help bring Christmas magic to disadvantaged children across the North East, and we can’t thank them enough!”
To support Georgia and David’s efforts, donate to – https://www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/mission-christmas-2026-fundraising-north-east-england/fundraisers/climbahub/
To find out more about Climbahub, or join a class, go to – https://www.climbahub.co.uk