Derbyshire Everest Challenge
I'm raising money in aid of DERBYSHIRE UNEMPLOYED WORKERS' CENTRES and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.
Elisa McDonagh, the Mayor of Wirksworth and member of Matlock Cycling Club is going to cycle up Everest in support of a Derbyshire based charity. There are no bike routes to the top of the world’s highest peak so Elisa is attempting an Everest challenge with a basecamp in Holymoorside not in the mountains of Nepal. She will cycle enough ‘vertical’ in one day to equal an ascent of the iconic 29,029 foot peak.
On July 23rd the Mayor of Wirksworth will swop her chain of office for a bicycle chain as she dons her cycle helmet and jacket. She will climb from the Lamb Inn on Loads Rd and ascend Longedge Lane 46 times to complete her challenge.
Elisa will be encouraging people to donate to the Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres (DUWC) where she spent six months as a volunteer before securing full time work as a Welfare Rights adviser and advocate. The DUWC has been helping people in Derbyshire since 1983. Many who access their services are disabled, have long term health conditions, are out of work or are experiencing insecure employment.
“Many of the people that I helped at the DUWC felt they were having to climb their personal Everest every week just to keep their head above water,” said Elisa who became Mayor in 2021 “DUWC does such a fantastic job, not just in terms of the practical help it offers, but in giving a voice to some of the most powerless and isolated people in our communities.”
Mother of five year old Shay, Elisa took up cycling in 2008. She has previously cycled the Cinglès (3 climbs of Ventoux in a day).
“I have towed my son up Ventoux in his trailer, done the Fred Witton route and more Alpine, Pyrenean, Spanish and Italian climbs than you can shake a stick at. I go out riding locally looking for climbs, the hillier the route the better. In short, I love to climb on my bike. I’ve raced road, cyclo-cross, mountain bike and time trials so I’m no stranger to embracing the pain and enjoying the suffering. However, I’m under no illusion how tough completing an Everest will be, it will hurt and it will be both physically and mentally demanding. What will keep me going is knowing the reason I am raising money and all of the people that will be helped as a consequence.”
Elisa went on to say “I realise this might make me sound like an accomplished cyclist. I am certainly not!! I know I can do anything if I set my mind to it. The reality is, it will be horrific. I won’t be fast and I’ll be a wreck at various points – there could be some bad language as well - just in case anyone is under any illusion that I am some kinda superstar or I am going to be smashing this in fast times!! It’ll be the hardest thing I’ve done in my life - significantly tougher than child birth (at least that was over in 3 hours)!! But. I like a challenge. I love to suffer and knowing why I’m doing it will carry me through.”
“I got the idea during the pandemic when a couple of friends had a go and that put the idea in my head. It’s been a niggle that just won’t go away.” Elisa confessed. I mentioned it to Colin Hampton Co-ordinator of DUWC, and finally decided to commit to the endeavour. My desire was not just to challenge myself but to support an organisation that has been a base camp for many people across Derbyshire who have suffered redundancy or ill health.”
Colin, who has been Co-ordinator of DUWC for 37 years is helping Elisa publicise her mission raising money for the charity.
“I have already been nicknamed Sherpa Tenpints as some think I will spend the day in the Lamb Inn whilst Elisa tackles the gruelling hill up onto Beeley Moor.”
Colin has helped with the training of hundreds of volunteers at the charity forged out of the Trade Union movement back in the 1980s.
“All at the DUWC are pleased when volunteers move on to better things - but do not forget about our organisation that is needed now more than ever.”
Elisa thinks the challenge will take place the best part of the day so it will be an early start on the outskirts of Chesterfield. DUWC are expecting hundreds of supporters through the daylight hours to come and give her some encouragement. Some will even tackle the hill a few times themselves.
Elisa, nicknamed the Dreaded Cyclist, owing to her trademark dreadlocks hairstyle is unconcerned what the Derbyshire weather might throw at her. She has seen the challenges people face each week and her desire to help will see her through to complete the Everest challenge urged on by her friend and supporters.
Anyone wishing to donate are directed to Elisa’s Gofundme page and follow the link
or visit the DUWC website. www.duwc.org.uk
Elisa McDonagh, the Mayor of Wirksworth and member of Matlock Cycling Club is going to cycle up Everest in support of a Derbyshire based charity. There are no bike routes to the top of the world’s highest peak so Elisa is attempting an Everest challenge with a basecamp in Holymoorside not in the mountains of Nepal. She will cycle enough ‘vertical’ in one day to equal an ascent of the iconic 29,029 foot peak.
On July 23rd the Mayor of Wirksworth will swop her chain of office for a bicycle chain as she dons her cycle helmet and jacket. She will climb from the Lamb Inn on Loads Rd and ascend Longedge Lane 46 times to complete her challenge.
Elisa will be encouraging people to donate to the Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres (DUWC) where she spent six months as a volunteer before securing full time work as a Welfare Rights adviser and advocate. The DUWC has been helping people in Derbyshire since 1983. Many who access their services are disabled, have long term health conditions, are out of work or are experiencing insecure employment.
“Many of the people that I helped at the DUWC felt they were having to climb their personal Everest every week just to keep their head above water,” said Elisa who became Mayor in 2021 “DUWC does such a fantastic job, not just in terms of the practical help it offers, but in giving a voice to some of the most powerless and isolated people in our communities.”
Mother of five year old Shay, Elisa took up cycling in 2008. She has previously cycled the Cinglès (3 climbs of Ventoux in a day).
“I have towed my son up Ventoux in his trailer, done the Fred Witton route and more Alpine, Pyrenean, Spanish and Italian climbs than you can shake a stick at. I go out riding locally looking for climbs, the hillier the route the better. In short, I love to climb on my bike. I’ve raced road, cyclo-cross, mountain bike and time trials so I’m no stranger to embracing the pain and enjoying the suffering. However, I’m under no illusion how tough completing an Everest will be, it will hurt and it will be both physically and mentally demanding. What will keep me going is knowing the reason I am raising money and all of the people that will be helped as a consequence.”
Elisa went on to say “I realise this might make me sound like an accomplished cyclist. I am certainly not!! I know I can do anything if I set my mind to it. The reality is, it will be horrific. I won’t be fast and I’ll be a wreck at various points – there could be some bad language as well - just in case anyone is under any illusion that I am some kinda superstar or I am going to be smashing this in fast times!! It’ll be the hardest thing I’ve done in my life - significantly tougher than child birth (at least that was over in 3 hours)!! But. I like a challenge. I love to suffer and knowing why I’m doing it will carry me through.”
“I got the idea during the pandemic when a couple of friends had a go and that put the idea in my head. It’s been a niggle that just won’t go away.” Elisa confessed. I mentioned it to Colin Hampton Co-ordinator of DUWC, and finally decided to commit to the endeavour. My desire was not just to challenge myself but to support an organisation that has been a base camp for many people across Derbyshire who have suffered redundancy or ill health.”
Colin, who has been Co-ordinator of DUWC for 37 years is helping Elisa publicise her mission raising money for the charity.
“I have already been nicknamed Sherpa Tenpints as some think I will spend the day in the Lamb Inn whilst Elisa tackles the gruelling hill up onto Beeley Moor.”
Colin has helped with the training of hundreds of volunteers at the charity forged out of the Trade Union movement back in the 1980s.
“All at the DUWC are pleased when volunteers move on to better things - but do not forget about our organisation that is needed now more than ever.”
Elisa thinks the challenge will take place the best part of the day so it will be an early start on the outskirts of Chesterfield. DUWC are expecting hundreds of supporters through the daylight hours to come and give her some encouragement. Some will even tackle the hill a few times themselves.
Elisa, nicknamed the Dreaded Cyclist, owing to her trademark dreadlocks hairstyle is unconcerned what the Derbyshire weather might throw at her. She has seen the challenges people face each week and her desire to help will see her through to complete the Everest challenge urged on by her friend and supporters.
Anyone wishing to donate are directed to Elisa’s Gofundme page and follow the link
or visit the DUWC website. www.duwc.org.uk
Organisator
Elisa McDonagh
Organisator
England
Derbyshire Unemployed Workers' Centres
Spendenbegünstigte