Man Climbs Fire Tower 372 Times in 21 Hours for Charity

Ben Elst, a 50-year-old from Nieuwmoer, has conquered the fire tower in the Kalmthoutse Heide, completing an 'Everesting' challenge by ascending it 372 times. Elst reached the equivalent height of Mount Everest, 8,848 meters, in 21 hours and 19 minutes. The feat was undertaken to raise funds for Stichting De Kleine Strijders, an organization supporting families of children with long-term hospital stays. Fifteen-year-old Marit Van Ginneken, the daughter of friends, joined Elst for the final quarter of the challenge, climbing the tower 100 times herself. "The hours in the dark and the last few times were the hardest. Resting is allowed, sleeping is not, but standing still for too long also makes it heavier," Elst said from the top of the tower, looking forward to a cola and a shower. Van Ginneken, who felt the strain in her calves, added, "It feels like it went well, but I expect to feel the effects later." Elst acknowledged her contribution, stating, "If Marit hadn't climbed the last 100 times with me, it would have taken me at least 2 hours longer." At the summit, Elst shared an emotional moment, opening a bottle of wine in memory of his recently deceased friend Thys Lombard. The challenge successfully raised approximately 2,500 euros for the foundation.

“

The hours in the dark and the last few times were the hardest. Resting is allowed, sleeping is not, but standing still for too long also makes it heavier.