A cycling club from Kingston are raising thousands of pounds for Kingston Hospital to support NHS staff's efforts during the coronavirus crisis.
Kingston Wheelers said members of their team would attempt to cycle the height of the Seven Summits (the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents) over the coming weekend, and have already raised over £2,000 ahead of their attempt.
The talented @mrgrunshaw has made this animation for our #elevationchallenge this weekend. We are cycling the seven highest peaks in the world (on turbo trainers) to raise money for @KHFTCharity which supports the staff at Kingston Hospital. Support here: https://t.co/w4rGss4PTW pic.twitter.com/EM9FOTre38
— Kingston Wheelers CC (@kingstonwheeler) April 14, 2020
The Wheelers will use the virtual racing Zwift and/or RGT Cycling on static training bikes set up in their homes around the borough during the attempt.
Kingston Wheeler Harry Bunnell, 35, described how the fundraiser came about.
"We were just discussing various ways we could galvanise the club together with everyone isolating at home and use the opportunity to raise some money for a good cause," he told the Comet.
"You can ride on a static trainer and do races and climbs in these virtual worlds
"A lot of us have a strong connection with Kingston Hospital, some of us have used its A and E department when we've come off our bikes...
"I've got a three-month old baby and my wife gave birth there recently," Harry added. "We wanted to do a little something to give back."
This is so awesome. Really looking forward to this one #teamKHC @KingstonHospNHS #NHSheroes https://t.co/xve2UU0RBt
— KingstonHospCharity (@KHFTCharity) April 14, 2020
The World Seven Summits are that the team are taking on in virtual form are Carstensz in Oceania (4884m / 16024ft), Vinson Massif in Antarctica (4892m / 16049ft), Elbrus in Europe (5642m / 18511ft), Kilimanjaro in Africa (5895m / 19340ft) Denali in North America (6194m / 20321ft), Latin America's Aconcagua 6961m / 22837ft) and Everest in Asia (8848m / 29028ft).
In total they come to a daunting 43,316 metres — the team's target for this weekend.
Harry said the support since they launched the campaign had been great and that they might even increase their elevation target if the donations continued to roll in.
Indeed, Kingston Wheelers have already smashed their initial target of £1,500 and are now hoping to go well beyond that total for Kingston Hospital, with over £2,000 raised and counting.
To donate, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kwcc-elevation-challenge
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