Westbury groups ‘climb’ Everest in fundraising challenge

TWO local sports clubs have climbed the height of Mount Everest and raised over £450 for charity.

Members of Westbury Wheelers cycling club and Westbury Run England group took part in the ‘Everest Challenge’ on Saturday 28th December by cycling or running up Westbury White Horse, until their cumulative ascents equalled 29,000 feet – the height of Everest.

“We managed 109 ascents which is over one and a half times the 65 ascents needed to reach the top of Everest,” explained Sean Price, chairman of Westbury Wheelers.

“52 people took part with 17 people ascending three times and one person, Peter Veleski, ascending four times. One of the cyclists was James Brown who won a Paralympic bronze medalist for Northern Ireland in 2012.

“We raised 457.10 for two very worthwhile local charities – Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Chernobyl Children in Need.

“We would like to mention the generosity of Trevor Pictor at White Horse Pottery – who not only let us invade his property to hold the event but provided the star prize in the post event raffle – and the Lopes Arms where we held the post event raffle and presentation.”

The results were Men’s Bike: 1st Jack Gover, 5 mins 45 secs; 2nd Andy Henderson, 5:55; 3rd James Brown, 6:08 (Paralympic bronze medalist). Women’s Bike: 1st Anissa White, 7:15 (new record); 2nd Angie Deakin, 8:23; 3rd Sharon Gover, 9:21. Men’s Run: 1st Peter Veleski, 8:11; 2nd Peter Shannon, 8:28; 3rd Danny Gard, 9:34. Women’s Run: 1st Jules Coulson, 10:18; 2nd Sarah Sims, 10:44; 3rd Anissa White, 11:02.