Teenage pals set for 24-hour charity workout challenge

Two Swindon youngsters will be testing their tenacity this weekend as they undertake a gruelling 24-hour cycle ride to raise money for charity.

17-year old Nick Travers, and his friend Jess Ferguson, 16, with be peddling stationary bikes at The Brunel Centre (outside Buzz Gym) from noon on Saturday 14 March all the way through until noon the next day, Sunday 15 March.  Once the centre closes the pair will relocate into the 24-hour Gym until the centre re-opens the next morning.

The energetic duo decided to undertake the challenge in an attempt to raise money for Swindon Wheels for All – a charity that gives people with disabilities access to cycling.

Nick explained their motivation for the challenge: “Jess and I both believe that sport should be something that everyone can take part in.  We’ve seen the work that Swindon Wheels for All do in helping people with disabilities access cycling and it is fantastic.

“Our goal is to raise enough money for them to be able to buy at least two more of the adapted tricycles that they use so that more people can benefit from this great project.  The bikes cost £500 each so it’s a tall order, but we’re absolutely determined to give it our best shot.”

Nick, who works in the promotions team at Buzz Gym in The Brunel and Jess, who is also a lifeguard, have also organised a raffle to help with the fundraising and are very grateful to the businesses that have supported them in donating prizes.  Jess said: “We’re really pleased with the support that local businesses have shown.  It’s not an easy economic climate for anyone at the moment so we’ve had to work really hard to find good prizes for the raffle.  We’re really grateful to those businesses who are generously supporting us:  Buzz Gym, Wagamama, Carluccios, Go Gym Stuff, Clifton Photographic, Brenda’s Cakes and Shoes, Ridgeway Leisure Centre and Chickks Hair Salon.”

Jess and Nick are hopeful that lots of shoppers will stop as they pass by and offer their moral support.  The challenge will also be steamed live on Instagram:

@nicolastrvs and @Jesica.ferguson. To donate to Nick and Jess’s challenge see: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jess-nick-cycle

For more information about Swindon Wheels see: https://cycling.org.uk/locations/swindon-wheels-for-all