A team of cyclists from DIY chain Wickes have completed a punishing 520k ride to Mount Everest's Base Camp in aid of blood cancer charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.


Nineteen staff members, including md Jeremy Bird, battled freezing conditions and difficult terrain at altitudes of more than 17,000ft. They were joined by former England footballer Geoff Thomas who survived leukaemia after being diagnosed with the disease in 2003.

The riders set out from Shigatse, Tibet, on September 14, after three days of acclimatisation in Kathmandu and Lhasa, and reached Base Camp on September 20.

Team member Scott Robinson, merchandise manager at Wickes' Sunderland store, said; "I'm over the moon. I was expecting it to be tough, and was doing between 95 and 160 miles a week after work in training, but you can't prepare for the effects of the altitude. If you push too hard you quickly run out of breath and your balance and reaction times go - it's a bit like drinking in the afternoon."

So far, the team has raised more than £41,000 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, and you can still sponsor them by visiting www.justgiving.com/wickeseverest

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