Burgess Hill man to cycle the height of Everest

Eoghan McHugh has completed challenges across the UK and in Morocco, sleeping under the sky and exploring different places in aid of Surfers Against Sewage.

His next challenge will take place at Firle Beacon in the South Downs, although due to current circumstances the date cannot be finalised yet.

The ‘Everesting’ challenge will involve cycling up and down the hill until the height of Mouth Everest – 8,848 metres – has been climbed.

He will start cycling at 4.30am and finish around 6pm.

The event’s launch night, at Home Coffee, in Victoria Road, Burgess Hill was due to be held today (March 26) but was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the setback, the cycling event itself is set to take place.

Eoghan said: “The challenge will still go ahead. I hope it gives inspiration for people. The world is an important place and the environment is an important place. In the current situation, it takes on another level of importance. It may be part of the return to normality.

“In 2018, I cycled from John o’ Groats to Land’s End. I’d heard of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) before then and had supported other environmental charities.

“The original plan was not to raise money for SAS, but I set up a JustGiving page and so many people were posting on the page and suggesting Surfers Against Sewage.

“I set up the page on a Friday and on the Monday Katie Eddy emailed me directly from the charity offering to support me. They are great at getting people involved.”

Eoghan’s ‘Everesting’ challenge comes after he cycled 700 miles from Marrakesh to Agadir, Morocco, as part of the Atlas Mountain’s last month.

Describing the adventure, he said: “We had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people and the lifestyle and culture in rural Morocco was so interesting.

“The culture was so hospitable. People would invite us into their houses.

“The sense of community and openness and willingness to help each other could really help us during these times.”

The Everesting challenge will be open for anyone to join.

Eoghan said: “Cycling the height of Mount Everest is my personal challenge. People can feel free to join and do less than that.”

To find out more, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stories-from-a-man-and-his-bike