Two Robs To Cycle '3 Peaks' For Women Worldwide

Dads Rob Tong and Rob Newnes-Smith, both 45 and from Godalming, will cycle the combined height of Britain’s three highest peaks – a staggering 3,500m – on Saturday 25th July to raise vital funds to help mothers and babies survive and thrive worldwide.

The two Robs will get on their bikes to scale three famous Surrey ascents. They will tackle Box Hill 4 times, Leith Hill 5 times and Hindhead Hill 7 times. This amounts to a daunting 111 miles in just 1 day. The height is the equivalent of the 3 Peaks: Snowdonia, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.

By taking on this challenge, they hope to raise at least £1,000 for Women and Children First.

Rob Tong says, “Women and Children First is a vitally important cause, especially as the world sits under the shadow of coronavirus.

“So we decided to take on a really hard cycling challenge to raise much needed funds.

“The highest we have cycled in a day is 2,000m – and that really hurt! Climbing 3,500m over 180km is the equivalent of a Tour de France mountain stage so is going to be tough.

“I hope our challenge can raise plenty of money to support the bicycle ambulances and help save lives.”

Women and Children First’s work includes helping pregnant women in countries like Malawi, Uganda and Ethiopia to get access to the medical care they need.

Too often women die in pregnancy and childbirth from preventable and treatable diseases, including malaria.

In Malawi the charity has helped communities make bicycle ambulances, attaching a stretcher. This can reduce journey times to medical centres from over an hour and a half to just 15 minutes – which can be the difference between life and death.

Mark Mina, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Women and Children First, says: “We are incredibly grateful that Rob and Rob are taking this incredible challenge to help women and children survive and thrive.

“The difficulties these communities face is even more severe with the threat of coronavirus, reducing access to ambulances. The money raised can help support more pregnant women.”

If you would like to take on your own cycling challenge, contact Mark - m.mina@womenandchildrenfirst.org.uk