YOU often hear people referring to a particularly gruelling challenge as ‘My Everest’, but one Radnorshire woman actually took on Mount Everest as her 2021 battle.

A chronic lung condition and fractured neck couldn’t stop Anna Coady from completing the mammoth challenge back in January in aid of Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation.

Anna, from Llandrindod Wells, took part in the ‘Our Everest Challenge’, which people tackled during January. The torturous trek to Everest Base Camp is 130km long and so those who got involved walked 130km in 31 days.

Anna was inspired to take part in the challenge in memory of her sister who passed away at a young age from asthma. Anna herself has a chronic lung condition, and has also recovered from a neck fracture. She took on the challenge as she felt this was a positive thing to do during difficult times and she wanted to give something back in memory of her sister and in recognition of the important work of the British Lung Foundation. Her story was featured on Powys Teaching Health Board’s social pages, including Facebook, where people paid tribute to her mountainous efforts.

“What a brave lady,” said Lavina Stallard, a respiratory specialist practitioner for mid and north west Powys.

“In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and having a long-term lung condition herself, she has found the strength, positivity and willingness to climb her own mountain in support of others with lung disease.

Joseph Carter, head of Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation Wales, added: “It's great to see Mrs Coady taking part in the Our Everest 2021 challenge, which challenges people to walk 130km in 31 days, despite difficult personal circumstances.

“This is the same distance as the iconic trek to Everest Base Camp and, while no easy feat, allows people to stay active while also raising money to support our work.

“As Wales' leading respiratory charity, we've been working throughout this pandemic to support vulnerable people and those with respiratory conditions. Please do support Mrs Coady’s efforts if you can.”

Anna had a simple fundraising target of £100 for the month but ended up raising £368 in total. Her page remains open and if you would like to support Anna and make a donation, you can visit her page at https://join.auk-blf.org.uk/fundraisers/annacoady.