Alison, a dedicated team member from the Derby-based charity Safe and Sound, has successfully completed an epic personal challenge, cycling 325km across Portugal from Sagres in the West to the Spanish border in the East. Her arduous six-day journey, which saw her cycle between 48 and 70 km daily across cobbles, rough terrain, and paved roads, was undertaken to raise crucial funds for the charity’s work with vulnerable young people.
Alison, who proudly works for Safe and Sound, highlighted her deep commitment to its mission.
“I chose to raise money for Safe and Sound as they are an amazing charity that I am proud to be able to say I work for,” Alison stated. “The money raised can enable us to help even more children and young people. It would support one person’s whole journey with Safe and Sound, or 20 individual sessions or 4 youth activities.”
Recounting her experience, Alison shared the highs and lows of the ride. “The toughest part of the ride was turning a corner and coming across yet more cobbles – that was very painful!” she laughed. “Riding along the boardwalks and across the cliffs was amazing. We hoped to see flamingos near Tavira, but they didn’t show up!” she added.
The cycling tour was organised, with luggage transported daily to the next hotel, meaning Alison and her companions only needed to carry water and snacks. Remarkably, Alison’s physical condition held up well.
“My legs were actually fine despite having had both knees replaced only 12 and 8 months ago!” she revealed.
She credits her regular weekend cycling with a group of similar-age and ability women in Duffield, typically covering 30km every Saturday morning. This wasn’t her first cycling adventure, having previously completed tours from Anglesey to Chester and a long weekend through the Derbyshire hills.
“Riding with my friends on this trip made it far more enjoyable,” Alison said. “We encouraged each other up the hills and over the cobbles and also enjoyed the times off the bikes in the saunas and steam rooms.”
For anyone considering taking up cycling, Alison offers strong encouragement. “If anyone else is thinking of getting into cycling then I would thoroughly encourage them to do so. It is so good for your mental and physical health and has little to no impact on the joints.” She also emphasised the motivation that comes from a charity challenge. “Making it into a challenge and getting sponsorship gives you the motivation to tackle the longer routes each day – there were shorter options, but because I had been sponsored I wanted to do the maximum mileage possible each day.”
Tracy Harrison, CEO of Safe and Sound, commented:
“We are absolutely bursting with pride for Ali’s extraordinary achievement. To cycle 325km across challenging terrain, especially with her recent knee replacements, is a testament to her incredible strength and determination. Her dedication to Safe and Sound, both as an employee and now as an awe-inspiring fundraiser, is truly remarkable. The funds she has raised will make a tangible difference, directly enabling more young people to access our vital services and experience the engaging activities that are so crucial for their development and well-being. Ali is a shining example of the passion that drives our team.”