Gruelling cycle ride in name of charity cause

Keen athlete Mark Cummins raised more than £1,500 for MIND by completing the London to Paris cycle ride earlier this month.

Mr Cummins, of Steyning-based business, tax and charity advisers Russell New found the trek ‘one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done’.

He said: “Mental illness is still very much a taboo subject, but the statistics around those affected are frightening.

“Charities like MIND need as much help as they can possibly get.

“Whilst the London to Paris cycle ride was easily one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, it is comforting to know that the money raised will towards helping the growing number of people suffering with mental illnesses.”

A keen athlete, Mr Cummins and the 81 other cyclists taking part started at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre before heading 95 miles South to Dover,.

The participants then caught a ferry to Calais where a remaining six miles were ridden. Overall on day one Mr Cummins completed 101 miles with an elevation of 4,000ft.

Day two saw him head from Calais to Amiens. In 33 degree heat and an intense climb of 5,500ft, he completed a brutal 102 miles.

The final leg on day three saw Mark finish at the iconic Eiffel Tower following a final days’ ride consisting of 97 miles in 30 degree heat and with a climb of 4,200ft.

MIND supports over 400,000 people across England and Wales, with its services including supported housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, employment and training schemes, counselling and befriending.

The fundraising campaign is still ongoing. Anyone wishing to donate should visit Mr Cummins’s Just Giving page, via www.justgiving.com/Russell-New2015

The Skyline Overseas cycle ride, which took place from June 11 and 13, involved 82 cyclists, many of them raising money for their chosen causes. MIND is Russell New’s charity for 2015.