Cycling our b***s off for 3 very good causes!

On Thursday 11th September we took part in our second (the 16th annual) Prologis 100 Cycling Challenge.  The ‘Challenge’ is to cycle 100 miles, 100 km or walk 100 furlongs.  This year Affordable Hearing picked the 100km.  Although, we did the walk too – for fun – just not on the same day!  We’ll tell you about that another time!  Why did we do it?  We did it for 3 very good reasons:  LandAid, The Brain Tumour Charity and a cause particularly close to our hearts (and ears!) Dementia UK.

This amazing charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.

They are committed to saving and improving lives, we’re moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour.  Set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change, right now. Because they understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour – a cure really can’t wait.

Oh goodness, where to start with Dementia UK.

All such well deserving causes but even though we know it’s wrong to have favourites (in children and charities).  Some are just a little closer to your heart, aren’t they?  Clearly only charities, not children (who we love equally!).

Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia – it’s one of the biggest health challenges of our time.  It is estimated that by 2035 over 13 million of us in the UK will need hearing aids.  Research is beginning to point towards an uncorrected hearing loss meaning an up to twice as likely predisposition to developing Dementia.  On average people wait around 10 years from noticing the first signs of hearing difficulty to seeking assistance.  If you join those dots up you arrive pretty quickly at realising we’re going to need a lot of accessible, affordable hearing aids!  Lucky that’s our No.1 mission!

Thrills, spills and HILLS!

Popped into a little turquoise oval, the route looks a breeze.  At least the Affordable Hearing Team didn’t get lost this year and add an extra 25km on – naming no names (navigator Robin Woodbridge!).  As if the sheer distance wasn’t enough there were hills and there were hills and with over 4000ft of climbing there were, yep….  HILLS!

Affordable Hearing Co-Founder Zöe. 

The driving rain on the approach to Burford was so intense that it caused her hearing aids to malfunction.  Combined with confusion over which was the right way and a  few massive lorries that definitely wasn’t one of her ‘best bits’!  Fortunately a hand hanky and a snuggle in a warm pocket brought her Oticon Intent 1’s (she’ll be doing a review, check back soon) back to life in time for lunch!

From Zero to heroes!?  Tom (centre pic) Prologis’ resident PR conducted his own version of the cycling proficiency test with this years’ Prologis interns.  Having never previously ridden a road bike (or in cleats) ‘the interns’ completed the 100km course in just under 7 hours. 

Well done guys! 

It was for 3 very good causes!

The very best bit has to be that this year by pedal power over £85,000.00 was raised for the 3 charities.  Making a total of more the £500,000.00 over the 16 years of Prologis 100 challenges to date.

Another best bit was probably the pub at the end (The White Horse in Duns Tew)!

What a brilliant day.  Thank you to Lou (Prologis), Rob (Discover Adventure), the Holt Hotel and everyone else who worked so hard and took part to make it such a fantastic success.

We (Affordable Hearing)’re hoping to be invited again next year.  Will we see you there?