Etac R82's Mark Travers
Etac R82’s Mark Travers

Aiming to raise money for Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children so more disabled children can access life-changing assistive equipment, Mark Travers is attempting the mammoth task of cycling up the equivalent height of Everest.

Riding non-stop for over 18-hours, Mark, aged 52 from Derbyshire, will be climbing and descending the Peak District’s Beeley Moor hill 45 times, accumulating a distance of 160 miles and a combined elevation of 29,029ft which equates to the height of the world’s tallest mountain, Everest.

A keen and proficient road cyclist from an early age, Mark has completed several endurance sportive events including La Marmotte in the Alps which includes famous climbs from the Tour de France and is regarded as the ultimate cycling test.

A member of the Chesterfield Spire Cycling Club, the senior product advisor for Etac R82 cycles three to four times a week, with a ride over 100 miles every Sunday and will now tackle the gruelling ‘Everesting Challenge’.

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To conquer the challenge, Mark will be pushing himself and his limited-edition Pantani anniversary Bianchi Specialissima bike – the only of its kind in the UK – to the limits. In addition, Mark will have a back-up bike in case of any technical hiccups.

The challenge is part of Etac R82’s wider programme of fundraising for Newlife as its nominated charity for 2019, having already completed other events with more to come as it strives to reach its £5,000 target before the end of the year.

Discussing his fundraising challenge, Mark said: “My challenge is more about what I can achieve for Newlife, not what I can accomplish personally. The ride before me will not be easy, I have seen many proficient cyclists fail however I am fully determined and hope to complete the distance in around 18 hours. This is equivalent to the height of Everest and will consist of 45+ reps up and down a Peak District hill which is around 1.75 miles in length.

“With an average gradient of 6.7 percent, I know I will have to remain both physically and mentally strong. I will be taking on food and water at the top and consuming on the way down. In my practice descents, I have recording speeds of 53mph so I need to be focused!”

Owned by the Swedish Etac Group, R82 is a Danish manufacturer of specialist products that aid children to sit, stand, walk, bathe, toilet and travel. Over and above its commercial activity, the company has a strong relationship with Newlife as it provides wheelchairs, pushchairs, walkers and other products for the charity’s free Emergency Equipment Loan Service.

Mark continues: “Etac R82 and I are firm supporters of Newlife, without their emergency equipment loans and grants so many families with disabled children would be lost in the UK. This is why I encourage everyone to donate – every penny will make a difference. I would like to thank J E James cycles in Chesterfield for supplying my technical clothing and fellow Etac employee Colin Williams (Molift hoists), who will be there supporting me through the night and ensuring I have assistance if needed.

“Strangely I am looking forward to the difficulties that face me, I love hill climbing and the feel of the open road is a sensation that is priceless to me. However, as I work with disabled children on a daily basis, it will be the thought of helping them achieve more that will be forefront in my mind.”

Newlife delivers the UK’s only rapid response equipment loan service so children, who are at significant risk of injury or in urgent need because of their shortened life expectancy, can receive specialist equipment free of charge commonly within 72 hours.

In addition, Newlife can provide funding of equipment through its grant scheme so disabled children can benefit from greater ability and comfort in life.

Jon Preater, Etac R82 Managing Director, adds: “We wish Mark the very best of luck with his challenge. His grit and determination in support of Newlife are commendable and we hope donations are healthy to ensure the sustainability of this charity’s essential services.”

Visit Mark’s fundraising page to find out more information regarding how to donate.

Mark will start the climb at 11pm on Friday 28th June and plans to end at 5pm on the 29th June, starting at The Lamb Inn, Hollymoorside, Derbyshire. S42 7EU

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Etac_R82_Mark_Travers.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Etac_R82_Mark_Travers-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettNewsroomSupplier NewsThird Sectorassistive technology,charity,cycling,Etac R82,Everest,Everesting Challenge,La Marmotte,Mark Travers,Molift hoists,Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children,Pantani,Tour de FranceAiming to raise money for Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children so more disabled children can access life-changing assistive equipment, Mark Travers is attempting the mammoth task of cycling up the equivalent height of Everest. Riding non-stop for over 18-hours, Mark, aged 52 from Derbyshire, will be climbing and descending...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals