A BURY schoolgirl has completed a colossal challenge by skiing the height of Mount Everest in less than 12 hours.
Eight-year-old Astrid Brocklehurst-Flynn skied the vertical height of the highest mountain in the world at Chill Factore on Wednesday.
The starlet completed the distance of 29,029 ft in 222 runs, eventually finishing at 10pm.
In doing so, The Edenfield CofE Primary School pupil helped raise more than £1,000 for Together for Short Lives, a charity which supports children with life-threatening illnesses and is close to one close to Astrid’s heart.
The Edenfield CofE Primary School pupil said: “My cousin was born last year with down syndrome and had to have open heart surgery shortly after he was born, so I wanted to give back to a charity that has such a positive impact on children and their families.”
Astrid starting learning to ski aged three when her parents took her to Chill Factore for lessons ahead of a family holiday.
She visits the snow slope regularly and won a place on its sponsored athlete programme in 2017 after her talent was spotted by Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards.
It means Astrid now has free access to the indoor slope and specialist training.
Dad Andy Brocklehurst said: "I'm really proud of her.
"I don't know how she did it, I was shattered just from watching her.
"She was really up for the challenge. A couple of friends came down to support her, which was really nice."
Chill Factore CEO, Morwenna Angove added: “We are so proud to support Astrid as a sponsored athlete here at Chill Factore.
“We have seen so many unforgettable moments here at Chill Factore and this is no exception.
"It’s been fantastic to open up the slope for Astrid to take on this challenge — we’ve been supporting her all the way.”
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Astrid-Ski-Everest.
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