Manheim manager prepares for the fridge hiker's stride for charity

On Saturday Manheim account manager, Matthew Bamber, will set off to climb Cumbria’s three highest peaks in under 24 hours – with a 30kg fridge strapped to his back.

He was inspired after watching this year’s Invictus Games and is raising money for Help for Heroes supporting veterans receiving care. He initially set out to raise £3,000 and has already exceeded this figure – including a donation from the Manheim Foundation – so he hopes his efforts will raise closer to £5,000.

The challenge will see him take on a 50-mile hike up and down Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Scafell Pike, starting at 9am on Saturday morning, with the aim of finishing by around 7am on Sunday.

Bamber (pictured), who works with Manheim’s dealer customers, will be carrying bottles of water in the fridge – and a beer for when he reaches the end. The fridge was donated by Hotpoint, having been impressed by his dedication and determination.

He will be joined by a number of people on his attempt, including brother-in-law Gregory Bentley and Mark Airey, recreational and adventure training co-ordinator at Help for Heroes’ northern recovery centre, Phoenix House in Catterick.

Airey said: “Sport and exercise plays such an important part in the recovery of so many of our beneficiaries, so it’s so appropriate that Matthew chose to raise money with such a physical challenge. I couldn’t resist offering to join him, and neither could some of the people we support at Phoenix House, and who we couldn’t continue to support if it weren’t for fundraisers like Matthew.”

Bamber will be posting updates on Twitter during his challenge at @thefridgehiker.