'Everest challenge' dad cycles 57 times up Surprise View to aid children's hospital

Colin Beresford, second left, was supported by family and friends during his 23-hour epic mission.

Colin Beresford’s achievement was all the more remarkable as he had been shielding since March with a inflammatory disease called ankylosing spondylitis that affects the spine.

His epic undertaking at Surprise View Hathersage, was spurred by a cyclist almost 20 years younger who Colin saw complete the challenge on a hill close to his home in the Peak District.

During his 23-hour mission, Colin cycled 337km and reached a height of 8,961m. He said: “I was suffering from sciatica from the third ride up the hill, which was about an hour in. From the halfway point, it really was a struggle. I have completed a couple of 12-hour rides before, but to contemplate how much more was left to do was not easy.

“For the last few hours, I was keeping myself going on flat coke and handfuls of liquorice all-sorts. I lost sensation in my fingers and toes, but it was more than worth it.”Friends and family supported Colin throughout the day. He said: “From the first ride at 3am on Saturday, to the last at 2am on Sunday, I always had someone doing the route with me.”

That support has helped Colin pull in £4,800 in sponsorship for Sheffield Children’s Hospital so far, more than four times his original £1,000 target.

Colin, who has lived and worked in Sheffield all his life, said: “Both my children, Matthew and Charlotte, have needed Sheffield Children’s Hospital with various injuries and ailments in the past, but thankfully nothing too serious.

“Charities have suffered tremendously during the pandemic. People have feared for their jobs, their health and their wellbeing. I am proud to have been able to support The Children’s Hospital Charity during its time of need.”

Sophie Coburn, corporate partnerships officer at the charity, said: “Thanks to the support of people like Colin, we can continue to help Sheffield Children's Hospital by providing specialist equipment and creating environments that are above the NHS standard.”

To support Colin’s fundraising, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Colin-Beresford4