Over £14,000 raised for YMCA East Surrey Life Change Fund
An elated group of 23 cyclists have just returned from an epic challenge organised by YMCA East Surrey. The individuals each scaled beyond the equivalent elevation of Mount Everest by cycling up ten mountains in the alps, ascending 8,892 metres (29,174 feet). So far, over £14,000 has been raised for the charity’s Life Change Fund, creating a better future for young people across Surrey.
This momentous feat of 221 steep miles started on Saturday 12 July at Le Bourg-d’Oisans in Southeastern France. Over three gruelling days, eight alpine peaks featured in the Tour de France were conquered. The last and highest point of the challenge is also the most elevated peak of the famous cycle ride, the notorious Col du Galibier, with an elevation of 2,642 metres (8,668 feet).
This was the 12th YMCA East Surrey cycle challenge for Janina Wightman, aged 61, who first rode the Alps in 2016, and is a ride leader. Janina Wightman said, “The best thing about the cycling challenges is the people you meet from all walks of life and ages. You can see them support one another and flourish. The most difficult element was the last ascent which was very hot and tough, so I kept reminding myself it was all for a good cause! The view at Col du Galibier was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.
“A high point, enjoyed with my friend Jacquie Phillips, who chairs the Redhill Cycling Club, was assisting some newbies who were very green and helping get them to the top.”
Janina Wightman is events secretary for Redhill Cycling Club, so was in good company as there were fourteen other riders from the club plus two in the YMCA East Surrey challenge support team. They marked a Tuesday club night in the Alps, wearing special shirts to celebrate.
Another enthusiastic participant was John Holah, aged 45, who lives in walking distance of the YMCA East Surrey sports and community centre at Earlswood. This was his first cycle challenge for the local charity. John Holah said, “To cycle in Alpe d’Huez with its stunning, iconic scenery was on my bucket list challenge, so to do 10 mountains far exceeded this.
“There was practical support from the YMCA East Surrey, such as food and water. There was also encouragement from other riders while we were out on the road. It would have been impossible to have done it without them. Seeing the lunch van on the horizon was a very welcome sight! I tried to get my training in beforehand, including going up and down Box Hill, but nothing prepares you for the event itself. It’s by far the toughest physical and mental challenge I’ve ever done, so to get to the top, the sense of pride and achievement is immense, helped by knowing it’s for charity.
“At the summit of the final ascent at Col du Galibier, I was very tired and could hardly breathe. No photos can do justice for the epic scale of the views. Yes, I would consider it again for that feeling.
“My advice to those considering taking part in future challenges for the first time is to do more training than me, get the right gears on your bike and make sure you are part of an organised, inclusive event such as this one. The YMCA’s organisation and the encouragement I received is the reason I finished.”
YMCA East Surrey CEO Ian Burks, who also participated in the challenge, said, “I was so impressed with all our fundraisers who really earnt their sponsorship on this event! The last day was the toughest with over 100 miles, four mountains and nearly 15,000 ft of climbing, but our cyclists were incredibly determined and would not give up despite being on the road for over 14 hours! They couldn’t have done this without our amazing YMCA volunteer support team – Geoff Smith, Pam Burks, Norman Phillips and Steve Longhurst. I would like to thank all our riders, leaders, and support for achieving something special, not just for themselves but for all the young people we will be able to help with the funds raised.”
The challenge involved cycling up ten French peaks
The ten French peaks ascended in the cycle challenge were Alpe d’Huez, Col de Sarenne, Les Deux Alpes, Col D’Ornon, Col de Malissol, Col de la Morte, Col du Glandon, Col de la Croiz de Fer, Col du Télégraphe and finally, the Col du Galibier.
Janina Wightman and John Holah on their return to the YMCA East Surrey Earlswood HQ
To find out more about how to participate in the charity’s challenge events, please visit https://www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk/challenge-events.
