Netflix and hills! TV show inspires Luke to tackle 14 UK mountains

An intrepid Beverley man and his equally thrill-seeking friend are attempting to break a world record later this month whilst also raising money for the people of Ukraine.

Inspired by hit Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, which saw Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja and his team try to climb 14 eight-thousander peaks within seven months, Tom Conroy and Luke Mitchell are taking on the 14 highest peaks in the UK.

Having originally set a target of completing the challenge in seven days, the pair have now cut their time limit by more than half, with the aim to finish climbing up and down the peaks in just three days.

Most of the peaks being based in the Scottish Highlands, means that, logistically, Tom and Luke’s world record attempt is more than achievable.

However, the location, and its ever-changing, inclement weather, in which the pair will be camping, highlights the difficulties of the challenge the duo has set themselves.

Tom and Luke will be climbing the height of Mount Everest – twice – on peaks that include Ben Nevis, which has claimed more lives than the world’s highest mountain in the last 12 months.

The climbers are hoping to raise £1,400 for Beverley-based Jacob’s Well Appeal, which is currently sending trucks of food and medical aid to help those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Speaking to Beverley Life, Tom (pictured above) said that intensive planning is currently underway, with different routes set out for he and Luke, dependent on the weather.

And despite the enormity of their challenge, both are looking forward to starting their epic journey through the Scottish Highlands.

“Luke and I have climbed peaks, taken part in wild camps and hikes before, but this is probably the biggest challenge we’ve done,” said Tom.

“Having watched 14 Peaks on Netflix, we thought we could try and do it in this country and found out that all of the 14 highest peaks in the UK are actually based in Scotland.

“When we found this out, that made us change our target from seven days to three, which would be a world record.

“Having seen what’s happening in Ukraine, we wanted to try and do something really difficult and this seemed ideal.

“We’re aiming to drive to Scotland on Friday 20th May and start climbing the following day.

“We’re planning to wild camp on the mountains, which could be interesting as you can often see four seasons in a day up in the Scottish Highlands.

“Wild camping isn’t as bad as it sounds. On a clear day, you get some fantastic views and being alone is a nice feeling, and gets you away from the busy lifestyle back home.

“You even tend to get a good 4G signal!

“We’ve both climbed Ben Nevis previously. We couldn’t see the ground for most of the way up and there are only 10 clear days per year, so it’s probably going to be the same this time around.

“We’re really excited now and are beginning to put all our gear together. The plan is to map out three different routes which we can use, dependent on the weather conditions.

“I’m really confident we can finish in three days and break the world record, whilst also hitting our fundraising target.”

If you would like to donate to Tom and Luke’s 14 Peaks UK GWB Attempt for Ukraine, visit gofundme.com/f/tomandluke4ukraine.