Sixty five charity cyclists endured tough weather conditions during the ninth Argus Appeal South Downs Way Challenge that took place recently Battling against strong head winds and weather conditions that ranged from blistering temperatures to driving rain, The Argus Appeal South Downs Way Challenge took place across 100 miles of the entire South Downs Way from Cheesefoot Head (Winchester) to Beachy Head in Eastbourne.

Mountain bikers of all ages took part in this year’s three day event, whilst over forty took part in the inaugural ‘one day’ South Downs Devil ride that took place between Brighton and Beachy Head, on Sunday in the driving rain. It is hoped that the event will raise £20,000 for the Argus Appeal.

This year’s event attracted riders from all over Sussex and as far afield as the Midlands. Gez Willard from Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, rode the event in memory of his late father Ray Willard, a former Chief Inspector in the police force, who was born in Brighton in 1933, and died recently from Alzheimer’s disease.

Gez, has happy memories of Sussex, having spent many hours as a child playing on the South Downs and although now living in the Midlands, was told about the ride by his uncle Eddie Willard, who still lives in Brighton, having seen it advertised in The Argus.

The team from Staffordshire included; David Howell, Lee & Rebecca Bagnall, none of whom had ever cycled before 2011, having purchased brand new bikes especially for the event. As a reward for completing their challenge, they all spent the night in The Grand Hotel, Brighton, feasting on Fish & Chips, after a weekend of ‘roughing it’ in a tent on the South Downs.

Motivated by the death of his father to Alzheimer’s disease, in December 2010. Gez and his fellow team members were delighted when they heard that The Argus Appeal had supported the Alzheimer’s Society in the past, as well as so many other local charities. Gez, describes the disease; “as robbing people of those they love in the cruellest way, by taking bits away from them over a long period of time.”

Gez, and his team, all wore specially designed team shirts emblazoned with sponsor’s logos, enabling them to raise money for the Argus Appeal. They are planning another two events back home in the summer to raise money and the profile of the Alzheimer’s Society. However, they all vowed to stay away from their bikes for a while.

The total amount of cash raised by the Argus Appeal Cycle Challenges since 2003 is fast approaching half a million pounds and the event continues to be amongst the main fundraising activities that are so generously supported by Legal and General.

Event organiser, Howie Blanks paid tribute to the band of unpaid volunteers that make up the backbone of the organising team. He said: “All the volunteers give up three days of their own time and the event would not happen without them.” Volunteers, include the 6th Hove Scouts who man the checkpoint.

It is still not too late to enter what is likely to be the last Argus Appeal Brighton to Paris Cycle Challenge that takes place at the end of next month. This event which carries a registration fee of £300 and a minimum sponsorship of £300 delivers cyclists into the heart of Paris, via cycle paths and country roads from Dieppe to Paris.

The event is fully supported and includes; a ferry crossing, four night’s hotel accommodation and a journey home on Eurostar and local cycling guru Adam Trimmingham has signed up for this year’s event. You can get more information about the event by emailing brightontoparis@theargus.co.uk or ringing Alison Smith on 01273 544401.