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ETAC R82 Employee Mark to Tackle Extreme ‘Everesting’ Cycle Challenge in Derbyshire for Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children

Last Updated on 10/02/2020 by steveperry

Mark Travers, aged 52 from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, is attempting to cycle up the equivalent height of Everest to raise funds for Newlife so that more disabled children can access life-changing assistive equipment.

Start: 11pm, Friday 28th June. 
End: 5pm, Saturday 29th June – The Lamb Inn, Hollymoorside, Derbyshire. S42 7EU.
Non-stop over 18 hours, Mark will be climbing to Beeley Moor and back 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.  
All press and supporters welcome.

Mark has been a keen and proficient road cyclist since an early age. He 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. Mark is a member of the Chesterfield Spire Cycling Club and cycles 3-4 times a week with a ride over 100 miles every Sunday. His connections with the club led to discovery of the ‘Everesting Challenge’, established by George Mallory, grandson of the legendary English mountain climber by the same name. This online community supports and records individuals seeking to cycle or run the equivalent altitude of Everest along a designated route segment or ‘strava’.

Located close to the Derbyshire Peak District, Mark is able to enjoy undulating terrain and push his rare limited edition, Pantani anniversary, Bianchi Specialissima bike to the limit. This bike is the only one of its kind in the UK and was manufactured in celebration of the achievements of Mark’s cycling hero, Marco Pantani. Mark will be riding this prestigious design during his challenge, with a back-up bike in case of technical problems.

When not on two wheels, Mark is a Senior Product Advisor for Etac R82 paediatric products and supports disabled children, families and healthcare professionals in Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. Owned by the Swedish Etac Group, R82 is a Danish manufacturer of high quality, specialist products that aid children to sit, stand, walk, bathe, toilet and travel. Over and above its commercial activity, this highly respected brand has a strong relationship with Newlife as it provides wheelchairs, pushchairs, walkers and other products for the charity’s free Emergency Equipment Loan Service.

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. These vital services have inspired Mark to cycle up an equivalent Everest to raise donations that will aid families in desperate situations across the country.

Mark’s challenge is part of Etac R82’s wider programme of fundraising for Newlife as it is also the company’s nominated charity for 2019. The business has already completed other events with more to come, so that a target of £5,000 is achieved by the end of the year. Mark’s attempt will add to the total as he explains: “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% 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!”

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.”

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 is commendable and we hope donations are healthy to ensure sustainability of this charity’s essential services.”

Please donate on Mark’s fundraising page at: https://tinyurl.com/y3kcwaws


Published: 11th June 2019