By noon, 44 riders of varying abilities had completed a combined 205 ascents, equating to more than the height of Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro combined. Organised by staff from The International Stock Exchange (TISE) who were participating in the 30/30, Everest Madness was held on the penultimate morning of the annual cycle challenge in aid of Les Bourgs Hospice.
Mark Oliphant, Head of Communications at The International Stock Exchange Group (TISEG), said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the turnout and that we were able to reach such heights. We were quite fortunate with the weather in that while it was blustery, the wind was pushing us up the hill and of course, it stayed dry. I’m hugely thankful to our own organising team, as well as all the riders, supporters and donors for making it such as success.”
Although the initial challenge was to complete just the height of Mount Everest, some incredible individual efforts helped exceed the organisers’ expectations, with Andrea Nightingale completing 15 ascents and Chris Norman 14.
The event was staged with the backing of cycle shop owner and 30/30 organiser, Ian Brown.
Mark added: “I need to thank my colleague Ben Snook who came up with the idea of Everest Madness. He had a discussion with Ian, and it went from being a germ of an idea to a realistic prospect very quickly. Initially we only had the six TISE team members down to ride, but we knew we’d need support from family and friends and other 30/30 riders and I’m delighted with the response. It was a way of bringing together riders of all abilities, increasing awareness of the 30/30 event and raising more much needed funds for the Hospice”.
Fund raising had taken place prior to the event but donations were made on the day, along with a homemade cake sale from Andrea Nightingale. The TISE staff in the 30/30 are currently 92% on their way towards the target of raising £2,500, with the final total being matched by the company.
It has been the 13th edition of the 30/30, which was rescheduled from earlier in the year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, it has not been possible to also reorganise the Rocque to Rock event that usually acts as a close to proceedings and is also a significant fundraiser for the Hospice.
Mark added: “This year, all charities have been hit hard in their fundraising efforts by coronavirus and the Les Bourgs Hospice is no exception. It is our charity of the choice for the year and so we not only wanted to take part in the 30/30 but we wanted to raise as much as possible for them so I’d encourage anyone who can offer their support to help us reach our target and more”.
Donations to help reach the £2,500 target can still be made here.
