A university student from Ryde is set to cycle around the Isle of Wight for 24 hours to raise money for Raleigh International.
From 17:00 on Saturday (4th) to Sunday (5th), Stephen Johnson will be following the 62 mile loop around the Isle of Wight, aiming to complete the furthest distance possible in 24 hours. Describing the challenge as ‘colossal’, Stephen estimates that he should be able to complete around 4 laps, equating to nearly 250 miles.
The motive for the challenge is that Stephen will be volunteering with Raleigh International in Tanzania over the summer. As a sign of his commitment, Stephen has to raise £800 before departure on 25th June. So far Stephen has raised £337.
The keen cyclist and rower will be taking part in the ICS Livelihood programme, a government run scheme that aims to connect young people aged 18-25 to those in developing countries to fight poverty. Specifically, Stephen will be focusing on the development of enterprise in rural parts of Tanzania as a means of securing a pathway out of poverty. Last year alone, the work that Raleigh did benefitted 180,000 around the world.
Speaking to Stephen about the challenge, he said:
“Having cycled from London to Paris in under 24 hours earlier in the year, I’m aware of the risks that come with the challenge, be it fatigue and the overwhelming monotony of sitting on a bike for such a period of time.
“As many will know the Isle of Wight is a particularly hilly place, which adds an extra element to the challenge. If I complete 4 laps, I will have roughly climbed 6,252 meters. Relatively, that is ¾ the height of everest”.
“Being able to complete this on the Island will be such a joy, especially for such a great cause. Not only will it be a scenic and challenging ride, but it will also be contributing to the great work that Raleigh international does”.
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You will be able to spot Stephen during his challenge as he will be wearing fluorescent stripy socks (pictured).
To donate to Stephen’s Challenge visit his JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/StephenJohnson96 or text CRIW62 followed by the amount wanting to donate (e.g. £10) to 70070.
