In a new charity fitness initiative for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, we are pleased to announce the DSFRS Everest Challenge. It is being held across all Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service locations in March 2026.This Concept2 Indoor Rowing event is being jointly organised by the Fire Fighters Charity and Manisha UK. It is supported by the DSFRS’s ACFO and Fitness Team, all operational and non-operational teams at all DSFRS locations are encouraged to take part.- The challenge is to row the height of Mount Everest, a distance of 8,848 metres, as quickly as possible on a Concept2 rowing machine.
- You may take part individually or as part of a team of two or four, with teams sharing the distance approximately equally between them.
- It provides a semi-competitive and fun way of testing our fitness, between and within locations, while also raising funds for two great charities. All funds raised will be split 50:50 and will be raised in two ways: by a £5 per participant donation and by public appeal.
- The challenge is open to everyone, regardless of age or ability, whether operational or non-operational and teams can be mixed or single sex. The option to share the load with others provides a great team building opportunity and allows for participation across all levels of fitness/ability.
Since 2015, the Everest Challenge has been Manisha UK's main annual fundraiser. Initially, towards the costs of totally rebuilding 5 schools following the 2015 earthquakes in Nepal. Since then we've used funds raised to repair less badly hit schools and then to deliver annual projects, including
Providing well-stocked libraries at all supported schools.
Establishing a Learning Resource Centre
Improving toilet facilities at all supported schools
Improving drinking water at all supported schools
Our current fundraising campaign is focused on building a dormitory at one of our supported schools, to save up to 60 of it's pupils having to walk up to 2 hours to and from school each day.
The first step to entering is to tap the Register button, where you will be able to let us know you're interested and download information about the event.