News – Riders complete Ventoux challenge

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A team of charitable cyclists have pedaled their way to £30,000 in aid of The Walton Centre’s Home from Home Appeal by riding one of the world’s most gruelling routes.

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News – Riders complete Ventoux challenge

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Days before the start of the Tour de France, seven riders successfully rode more than 600 miles through France over six days ending with the infamous Mont Ventoux mountain, which is more than 1,000 feet taller than Ben Nevis.

The team included Fletchers Solicitors Chairman Rob Fletcher, Walton Centre Neurologist Nick Fletcher and Neurosurgeon Andrew Brodbelt as well as Southport resident Richard Neve who works for Bolton based medical legal report provider Premex Services.

Rob said: “It was one of the most memorable events of our lives. I think we all felt slightly overwhelmed when we reached the top and it was difficult not to feel emotional having completed the climb. This was the culmination of all the effort everyone associated with the ride had put in, both in organising, training and so on.

“We averaged 110 miles per day which is extremely good going. Although I have climbed in Europe before I have never experienced anything like Mont Ventoux. As a climb it is completely unremitting pushing you hard all the way up with absolutely no place to rest. It took me a fraction over two hours but by the end you have to dig very deep indeed to finish.”

The team endured pouring rain and scorching sunshine on their six day cycle to the infamous Tour de France stage and, despite a few falls, thankfully no one was seriously injured.

Consultant Neurologist Nick Fletcher said: “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. We knew we couldn’t fail and we all had to show some real grit, especially on the climb up Ventoux. Everyone showed a lot of commitment to do that.

“It really helped that we were part of a team. We had fantastic support and we couldn’t have done it without them. It was a lot of fun and a fantastic challenge.”

The ride was organised by Merseyside serious injury legal specialists Fletchers Solicitors and was supported by bike specialists Formby Cycles.

The Trust has a target of £500,000 to be raised by December. The relatives’ accommodation includes eight ensuite bedrooms with a sitting area, laundry and kitchen, giving families the comforts of home while loved ones are undergoing lifesaving treatment.

Show your support by donating to their cause via https://www.justgiving.com/teams/Calais2Ventoux

 

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