61-year-old Sheffield fundraiser takes on monster Everest cycle challenge

A determined Sheffield fundraiser is preparing for the cycling challenge of a lifetime this summer in the hopes of raising more than £1,000 for sick children.
Colin plans to give back to Sheffield Children's Hospital by completing the challenge.Colin plans to give back to Sheffield Children's Hospital by completing the challenge.
Colin plans to give back to Sheffield Children's Hospital by completing the challenge.

Colin Beresford, 61, is set to take on the almighty challenge of cycling the climb of Mount Everest in just 20 hours on a hill in the Peak District.

While cycling in the Peaks may sound relaxing, this challenge will be far from it. The gruelling undertaking was inspired by the exploits of someone almost 40 years younger and follows more than three months of shielding.

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Colin said: “The coronavirus pandemic scuppered my original plans this year to cycle across the country. I’ve been shielding since March with an inflammatory disease called ankylosing spondylitis and I’d been thinking about what I could do instead.

“While cycling one weekend, I saw a 22-year-old complete the Everest Cycling Challenge on a local hill in the Peak District close to my home, and it really inspired me.

“At almost three times his age at 61 and with my creaking body, I am aware I may well fail but not before I’ve given it everything I’ve got.”

The Everest Challenge involves riding a bike up the equivalent height of Mount Everest, some 8,848m or 29,029ft. To meet the climb required, Colin will need to ride up and down the hill 52 times and cover 285km in total.

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He hopes the challenge will take around 20 hours to complete on Saturday, August 29.

Colin said: “Weather permitting, I’m hoping to start at around 3am and finish between 10pm and midnight. I can assure you I won’t be setting any speed records.”

The money raised will go to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, a cause close to Colin’s heart.

He said: “Both my children, Matthew and Charlotte, have needed the hospital with various injuries and ailments in the past, but thankfully nothing too serious.

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“Charities have suffered tremendously during the pandemic. People have feared for their jobs, their health and their wellbeing. I have lived in Sheffield all my life, so I am proud to be able to support a local cause during its time of need.”

To support the challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Colin-Beresford4.