A team of eight cyclists have conquered a gruelling 3000-mile endurance race, across some of the toughest terrain Europe has to offer in a bid to raise vital funds for the Steve Prescott Foundation and the charities it supports.
The team, which consisted of Neil Prescott, Steve Hall, Darren Harrison, Ewan Dowes, Kevin Humphries, Phil Ellison, Gareth Ellis and Steve Hampson, took part in the Race Across Europe (RACE), covering 3000 miles in just six days and raising more than £30,000. Split into two teams of four, riders were rotated meaning the team could cycle 24 hours a day to complete the challenge.
The once in a lifetime event saw the riders reach heights of 3000m above sea level and battle all manner of weather conditions, including wind, rain and hail as well as temperatures of up to 40°c. Starting in Boulogne sur Mer, the team tracked north through the French Ardennes and crossed the Rhine into Germany. From there they climbed briefly into the Black Forest and then moved east across Germany and Austria, before heading south into Italy and Slovenia and over the Vršič Pass. The route then descended back into Italy, heading due west, crossing the Colle dell’Agnello back into France. They crossed the Alps twice and the Pyrenees once. The final gruelling push saw the group climb over Mont Ventoux and head south into Spain, where they reached their final destination.
The extreme endurance challenge was completed in aid of the Steve Prescott Foundation. Established in 2007 by Steve Prescott MBE, who was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, a form of terminal cancer, and passed away in 2013, the foundation raises much needed funds for The Christie, Try Assist Fund and Oxford Transplant Centre.
Manchester-based The Christie is the largest single site cancer centre in Europe and Try Assist Fund supports Rugby League players whose lives have been affected by serious injuries.
“The Steve Prescott Foundation has been very close to my heart since it was first set up,” said Neil Prescott, senior electrical designer at Boulting Ltd, Steve’s brother and a member of the RACE team. “The Race Across Europe was a true challenge, but it shows that people can do a lot more than they think they are capable of.
“Boulting has been incredibly supportive of RACE and has helped us to raise more than £4,000 for RACE and previous challenges. It really is fantastic to work for both a company and with people that go above and beyond to support each other.
“Steve was an inspiration to everyone and my family and I am elated his legacy has grown from strength to strength. He would have loved the Race Across Europe and I am honoured to have been part of the team.”
“Neil and the team should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished,” added Josh Groarke, deputy group managing director at Boulting Ltd. “It is through their determination and that of similar groups, that vital funds are raised to support research for curing this diabolical disease.
“In 2017/18 Boulting also raised funds for The Christie, making its biggest donation to date. I’m delighted to see staff take up the mantle and continue these fund-raising efforts.”
For more information about the Steve Prescott Foundation and to see how you can support it visit www.steveprescottfoundation.co.uk.
