Climbing up Mauao in formal attire for a friend's wedding at the summit is one of Hilary Price's fondest memories of walking up the iconic mountain.

But the Homes of Hope chief executive officer won't be wearing a nice frock when she attempts More FM's Mount Everest Challenge 2016.

Homes for Hope volunteers Jennifer and Lynne Matthews are going to participate in the event. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

From February 5 to March 25, participants are challenged to climb Mount Maunganui 38 times in 50 days – the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest.

As the recipient charity of this year's event, Homes of Hope has registered a team to take up the 50-day challenge.

'I've gone around but I haven't been up for quite some time,” admits Hilary. 'But we have gone up regularly in the past. In fact we hosted some young friends who got married up the top, so we walked up there in our paraphernalia.

'The bridal outfit with the walking shoes on and a quick change at the top and champagne in the backpack. That was probably 20 years ago.”

Hilary says the funds will go towards helping Bay of Plenty children who have had the misfortune of being abused and/or neglected.

'We're hoping if this event raises a significant amount, we might be able to put a proportion of that towards the capital of the properties which stands in longevity for the needs of children in the city.”

'It's just wonderful to be giving our charity not only the much-needed financial support but also just an opportunity for the community to be out there enjoying our beautiful environment, keeping fit all for a great cause,” says Hilary. 'We're just so honoured to have been selected to be the recipient charity this year.”

More FM's Mount Everest Challenge can be completed individually or in teams. To register as a fundraiser for this year's event, visit givealittle.co.nz/event/mounteverestchallenge16/

A total of 31 fundraisers on the Givealittle page have already raised almost $1500 for the charity.

For up-to-date information, follow the Facebook page www.facebook.com/morefmmounteverestchallenge/

If you are a participant and would like to promote your team or individual effort, email an 80-word blurb and high resolution photo to newsroom@thesun.co.nz