BBC South Today Sports Editor Lewis Coombes swapped the commentary box for the Cumbrian fells last month, completing a gruelling 14.5-mile trek that raised over £935 for the Saints Foundation.
The challenge, part of the latest “Benali on Tour” event hosted by Southampton legend Francis Benali, saw more than 50 fundraisers tackle ten Lake District summits including Scafell Pike, Ill Crag and Broad Crag with a total elevation gain of 5,932ft.
That is equivalent to climbing the Shard five times vertically.
Speaking on the Solent Sports News podcast, Coombes admitted the walk, which stretched beyond half-marathon distance, pushed him to his physical limits.
He revealed he lost several toenails during the ascent.
“The toughest part was the relentless elevation,” Coombes told host Harvey Gerring.
“It was harder than I expected, but knowing people had sponsored me kept me going.”
Coombes set a personal target of £750.
He surpassed it with £935 raised from 37 donors.
The wider group of fundraisers collectively brought in £54,000 for the Saints Foundation.
When asked whether covering sport or taking part in such events was easier, Coombes laughed: “Reporting is much safer, my feet stay intact.”
He hinted at future challenges, though stopped short of revealing specifics.
“There’s always something next,” he said. “Once you start fundraising, it’s hard to stop.”
