Derek & Dara’s Story – Challenge Events

“Fundraising means you’re making a direct difference in your local community.”

For Derek and his daughter Dara, taking part in two major cycling challenges with YMCA East Surrey has been much more than just clocking up the miles. It’s about family, shared experiences and supporting a cause close to their hearts.

Last year, the pair joined a team cycling 300 miles from Redhill to Amsterdam over three days. Then in June this year, they tackled 220 miles from Redhill to Le Mans in France, again in just three days. Together, their efforts have raised over £5,500 for YMCA East Surrey’s vital work.

Derek’s wife Sharon works in the charity’s HR team, and their 14-year-old son Aaron has attended the charity’s Short Breaks clubs, Yippee and Yip4Youth. These clubs provide activities and support for children with disabilities and additional needs, like Aaron, who has autism and ADHD.

“It means Aaron can have fun in the school holidays and we can still work, knowing that he’s enjoying activities and trips,” explains Derek.

“As my brother has benefitted from the services, I can see the difference the YMCA is making,” adds Dara. “It’s nice to know that our fundraising is helping young people with additional needs like Aaron.”

When they signed up for the first challenge, neither of them had much experience of cycling long distances. “During the pandemic, we did start getting out on our bikes a bit more for something to do,” says Derek. “But we’re not accomplished cyclists by any means.”

Dara had never taken on long distances before either: “We had to train and build up the miles. When you’re taking on a challenge like this, you can be in the saddle for ten to 12 hours a day. So you can get sore!”

To help get challenge-ready, the pair joined YMCA East Surrey’s free training rides. These sessions are open to anyone, not just those signed up to an event, and offer a chance to build confidence, boost fitness and get to know others.

“We did an 85-mile training cycle and one over 100 miles,” says Derek. “That time in the saddle makes all the difference. And the training helped us get to know people in the group. You bond quickly when you’re tackling the same hills.”

Dara says those shared miles were a great learning curve: “You pick up things like group cycling etiquette, negotiating potholes and how to stay safe together. You start to move like a unit.”

Both challenges were far from easy, with tough weather conditions testing their resolve. Dara recalls one particularly wet moment on the journey to Le Mans. “I had my passport in my rucksack and the rain soaked right through,” she says. “I had to dry each page with a hairdryer when we got to the hotel. But when you hit a low moment, someone in the group lifts you up. The others in the team motivate you to carry on.”

There were plenty of high points on the challenge too, with breathtaking scenery and the sense of accomplishment. “We stopped in a village called Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei which was beautiful,” says Dara.

The experience has also been about much-needed dad and daughter time. “It’s been great to spend time together,” explains Derek. “And if I can do it, anyone can. There was a real mix of ages and everyone is welcoming.”

Taking on these challenges has had both physical and mental health benefits for Derek and Dara, improving their fitness, giving them new goals to work towards and connecting them with other people. And their fundraising has made a real difference too.

The team that took part in the Amsterdam challenge raised a combined total of £38,839. “People’s donations help support the work of YMCA East Surrey,” says Derek. “Whether it’s buying minibuses to take children out on trips or helping support young people facing homelessness, you’re making a direct difference in your local community.”

While the duo rest their legs and recover from their latest adventure, both are keen to encourage others to take on a challenge.

“You don’t have to be super fit to start,” says Derek. “You just need to give it a go. You’ll meet great people, get outdoors and do something genuinely good – for yourself and for others.”