Loughborough man scales some of world’s highest peaks for Rainbows

A Loughborough man is aiming to scale six of the world’s highest peaks in 12 months to raise money for Rainbows.

Steve Pearson (53) loves to climb and set himself the challenge of climbing over 70,000ft in total over a year.

Steve, who is a builder, has always had a love for climbing and trekking and wanted to use his passion to raise money for our charity.

“I have a friend who works at Rainbows and couldn’t think of a better cause,” said Steve. “I feel I am lucky to be healthy and I will do whatever I can to help those who are less fortunate. Rainbows is such an incredible place and the work it provides at the hospice and in the community is just amazing.”

Steve started his challenge at the end of 2025 by climbing the UK Three Peaks – Scafell, Snowdon and Ben Nevis – in bitterly cold conditions in 24 hours.

In February, Steve reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. “I absolutely loved it, it was right up my street,” said Steve. “I did get a bit poorly with altitude sickness just before we did the final summit but everyone I was with, was awesome.”

In the summer, he will climb two peaks in The Swiss Alps, totalling 5,000 metres, then in September he will attempt Mera Peak, the highest permitted trekking peak in Nepal, which requires crampons and ice axes.

Steve’s final challenge will be Mount Toubkal, in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains and the highest peak in North Africa. Steve did embark on this trip in January but sadly an avalanche meant it couldn’t go ahead.

Steve added: “I love these challenges, even when I was feeling ill on Kilimanjaro, there was no way I would give up. Knowing that every step I take on these challenges raises funds to help babies, children and young people at Rainbows, gives me impetus and drive.”

Gary Farnfield, Rainbows Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Steve has set himself such a tough collection of challenges, and we are grateful for his support. We wish him the best of luck with the rest of his treks and look forward to hearing all about them. It is only with the support of our fundraisers, like Steve, that we are able to provide specialist palliative and end of life care to hundreds of babies, children and young people.”

To support Steve, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/stevepearson