Gherkin Challenge 19

On 11 April 2019 a team of RAF fundraisers are planning to scale the heights of one of London's most iconic skyscrapers for the second time, in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund in commemoration of their centenary year.

The Gherkin, known officially as 30 St. Mary's Axe, consists of 38 floors and 1,037 steps. With the RAF record ranked at 50 ascents in 12 hours, this years team of robust men and women are in competition to set the new record.

SAC Perry Wright, SAC Karl Cassar & Cpl Ryan Burrows MBE completed the challenge in 2018, and are back again as supporters for the new team to scale the urban mountain.

The team will firstly take on 25 ascents each, to represent 100 years of the RAF Benevolent Fund. After that, it's up to them to see if they can make it past 50 to set the new record.

When scaled 50 times, the total length of The Gherkin building reaches the height of the worlds tallest Himalayan mountain - Mount Everest.

Based at RAF Northolt, the four serving personnel attempting the challenge are:

SAC Alex Driver, Regiment Gunner, 19.

SAC Anna Duckett, Air Cartographer, 26.

SAC Sam Lake, Regiment Gunner, 27.

SAC Joseph Martin, Regiment Gunner, 23.

All funds raised will be donated to The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the RAF's leading charity who are celebrating their 100 year centenary this year.

The RAF Benevolent Fund help current and ex serving military families who are in need of support for numerous reasons.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.