Never in her wildest dreams did Belinda Francis envisage raising $50,000 for surf lifesaving.

More FM general manager Belinda Francis (front right) is ‘blown away' by the community response to The 'Mount” Everest challenge. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

But this week the dream became a reality with The 'Mount” Everest challenge, seeing individuals and teams, trekking up Mauao 38 times in 50 days surpassing this feat with considerable ease – just one month into the challenge.

Since February 13 Mauao's walking tracks have been overrun with people getting behind the cause with all funds raised go to Mount Maunganui, Omanu and Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Clubs – set aside for supporting the volunteer lifeguard services.

The brainchild of 93.4 MORE FM Tauranga, in collaboration with Surf Life Saving New Zealand Eastern Region, More FM general manager Belinda is blown away by the support already shown, and still with 20 days to go.

'It's such a huge milestone, but the most exciting thing is as a community we have got to this total.

'It's completely untagged, unbudgeted funds that will go such a long way at the start of their financial year [the three lifesaving clubs].

Reflecting on the fundraising drive, Belinda admits $50,000 was a mark she hoped would be achieved, but not so early in the piece, having set out for a grand total of $60,000.

It is estimated close to 600 people are participating along with 270 fundraising pages set up – many in teams of up to 25 people.

The donation box.

Including such amazing feats as Tauranga Police CIB Luncheon member and Sergeant Nigel McGlone who come Sunday will have summited Mauao 76 times – doubling the required 38.

Others have knocked the challenge off in just 28 hours or 50 hours while a firefighter has been spotted making the trek in full uniform.

But while it is 'heart-warming” the most important aspect Belinda wants to get across is people put in the effort to raise funds.

'Just keep donating and donating. This is a personal challenge amazing personal challenge but the whole goal of it is to raise those funds.

They [the surf lifesavers] are blown away. I think they just keep looking at the total each day thinking ‘oh my gosh' and what this means to them.”

Paul Henry shows his support to the cause while in Tauranga on Thursday. Photo: Supplied.