ANDOVER Triathlon Club is backing a Whitchurch resident's monumental effort to raise money for the reopening of the community swimming pool.
Mike Copping will be attempting to cycle up and down Faccombe Hill 120 times in one go, covering a total distance of 300km and climbing an elevation of 8,849 meters – the equivalent of scaling Mount Everest on a bike.
The challenge, taking place on Sunday, June 15, aims to raise vital funds towards the £133,000 minimum target needed to reopen the Whitchurch Community Swimming Pool, which has been closed since 2019.
With over £59,000 already raised by the community, Mike's gruelling 20-hour cycling feat is one of many initiatives aiming to bridge the gap and see the pool operational again by the end of 2024.
READ MORE: Dad aiming to cycle the height of Everest to raise money for community swimming pool
Mike will start the first of 120 ascents up Faccombe Hill early in the morning of Sunday, June 15. The challenge will see him ride 300km over an elevation of 8,849m. He estimates it will take him 20 hours to complete the challenge.
The Andover Triathlon Club will be joining Mike on his journey, with members taking turns to cycle alongside him and offer encouragement throughout the day.
The club is also sponsoring Mike's attempt by donating proceeds from their annual triathlon event for adults and children, scheduled for July 14 at Farleigh School.
Chair Helen Daniels said: "With public services being cut everywhere, it is critically important that the community pulls together to support proposals such as this one. Having a local swimming pool in Whitchurch will be of great benefit to everyone, young and old, with improving life skills, fitness and mental health.
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"We are very proud to be able to distribute the profits from our volunteer-run triathlon event to a project such as this, which is so in keeping with our community objectives of making running, cycling and swimming as inclusive and accessible to as many people as possible."
To donate to Mike’s ‘Everesting’ attempt, go to gofundme.com/f/cycle-to-save-a-pool.
If you fancy giving a triathlon a go, please go to: britishtriathlon.org/events/andover-triathlon-2024_15300.
There are options for adults, children and a relay.
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