A group of cyclists from Mattress Online have completed a challenge pedalling over 140 miles of terrain from one side of the UK to the other in two days.
Steve Adams, Michael Jervis and Kirsty Mullen completed the Coast to Coast in Tynemouth on Wednesday 22nd June after leaving Workington in Cumbria on Tuesday 21st June, crossing in and out of four counties as they made their way west to east.
Fundraising for Zarach, a charity that fights against child bed poverty in the UK, was at the forefront of the teams reason for taking part in the Coast to Coast. The team passed the £1000 mark halfway through the journey, with more donations rolling in as they crossed the finish line to make a current total of £2510 raised.
CEO of Mattress Online, Steve Adams, says: “Training began in earnest about 10 weeks ago, and as practically a beginner who hadn’t ridden a bicycle since my teens I was patiently encouraged through the training period by my teammates, Michael and Kirsty, to be ready for the Coast to Coast.”
Waved off by colleagues from Sealy UK, the team anticipated some obstacles along the way, so having a support crew and van from Mattress Online operations was crucial.
Michael Jervis, head of digital, explains: “Every experienced cyclist knows that a decent distance ride comes with some challenges - I’d previously completed the Coast to Coast back in 2018, but steep climbs like Hartside Summit were no flatter this time unfortunately! Having our colleague, Joe Linton, alongside as support crew came in pretty handy along the way - as did a good night’s sleep.”
Kirsty Mullen, development team lead, adds: “We were relieved to get to Alston on Tuesday evening - the first day was pretty tough going as we covered a longer distance. Working together on the second leg to keep momentum going was so important, and I was really happy we made it to Tynemouth safely. It was a strong group effort and we’ve definitely bonded as a team.”
Steve adds: “Nothing could have prepared me for the sheer determination I needed to get through both days - I’m so thankful that I had both Kirsty and Michael by my side, we all dug in hard when it was needed and the elation I felt at the end was worth every mile. We’ve raised an amazing amount for Zarach and that’s what this was all about - putting ourselves through a personal challenge and doing it for a good cause.”
Pictured: Michael, Kirsty and Steve
