Would you do this for charity? Phil Spencer to climb 8,848 metres in four days on skis

Phil Spencer has arrived in the Alps to begin training for his latest charity fund-raising attempt to ‘climb Everest’ by ascending slopes in France totalling the same height as the 8,848m Himalayan peak.

The Location, Location, Location presenter has told The Negotiator that his initial three-hour training run yesterday in the Three Valleys resort of Meribel was a wake-up call, despite this being his second time around.

Spencer says the challenge, which starts in two weeks based from Verbier, will see him complete four three-hour ski touring treks each day for four days, no mean feat for a ‘relatively OK skier’ aged 50.

Each day he will climb up to 2,500 metres during gruelling 11-hour days which include up to 20 ascents.

“It is a very daunting challenge and to give you some context, I’ll be burning 10,000 calories a day which is the equivalent of three marathons – but the biggest test is the sheer relentlessness of it.”

He is doing it with 14 other mates many of whom work on his MoveIQ property reports business, including Nick Sowerbutts, Richard Billington, Tom Golding and James Orme-Smith.

Brain Tumour Trust

Spencer is raising money for The Brain Tumour Trust which works in the field of paediatric brain tumours, and the TV presenter decided to get involved after the son of friends of his developed the condition.

Called Toby Ritchie, his parents decided start fund raising for the charity.

Toby was diagnosed with a low grade brain tumour at the age of five. In 2015, his dad – Rob – led a unique and physical demanding challenge – Everest in the Alps – to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity. The events have raised £3m so far.

This year Phil is raising money in partnership with Agents Giving, which he is also a patron of. Donate here.

Read more about Phil Spencer.