On Sunday, May 19, 2013, eight fans plus their sub arrived at the Stadium to take their 1254125 challenge. This team of Paradise Climbers had committed to run up AND down all the steps within the stadium for Celtic Charity, Mary’s Meals and The Malawi Young Leaders Project.

After their initial warm up and a motivational huddle, the team took themselves to the top tier of the Lisbon Lions stand to start their epic challenge. Not only were they going to climb each step they were also going to descend them, doubling their challenge.

They managed to complete the full top tier within the hour mark and then stopped for a quick banana break and sports massage to ease their aching muscles, preparing them for the lower tier.

The team powered on and started the lower tier with the same focus and motivation as they’d started. Their enthusiasm and dedication was tremendous and the support from their family, friends and the Celtic Chorus lifted them when the pain started to show and the team were tiring towards their last section.

All nine climbers completed this monumental challenge in under two and a half hours and the beaming smiles when each one descended the last step was inspiring.

On last count, they have raised over £5,800 and still have donations coming in. https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/paradisechallenge

These everyday supporters pledged a magnificent challenge at the beginning of our 1254125 campaign. They trained hard and stayed focused throughout the build up and delivered an amazing result.

On behalf of Celtic Charity, we would like to thank each and every climber who took part in this and those who supported them.

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