THERE were cheers of delight from a reception party outside Helmores estate agency in Crediton earlier this afternoon as four cyclists returned from the second leg of a charity cycle venture.

Helmores estate agent partner George Clover is undertaking the Devon X Challenge, an epic fundraising event created by George and two friends, Chris Gibson and Graham Webber, in aid of the little-known Fragile X Society.

On day one, Thursday, June 14, the group cycled an amazing 190 miles and decided upon a shorter route for the second day, from Exmouth to Crediton.

The team admitted that they are finding the challenge more gruelling than anticipated.

The small team is attempting to cycle across Devon in a large “X” to raise money for the well-deserved charity, covering more than 300 miles with two moors, two coasts and more than 16,000 feet of climbing – the equivalent of cycling more than half way up mount Everest – only stopping for food, water and toilet stops – one ride, no sleep.

The trio started from the Helmores office in Crediton, which marks the centre of the ‘X’.

George had never heard of the Fragile X Society until Chris’ son Harrison (4), was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome two years ago.

Since then, the Fragile X Society has provided his family with invaluable support.

Fragile X Syndrome is the most common known inherited cause of learning disabilities, affecting around one in 4,000 males and one in 8,000 females.

It can cause a wide range of difficulties with learning, as well as social, language, attentional, emotional, and behavioural problems.

In addition, approximately one in 250 females and one in 600 males are carriers of the Fragile X pre-mutation.

The Fragile X Society is the only charity dedicated to individuals and families living with Fragile X Syndrome and it is continually working to improve the quality of life for all people impacted by the condition. The charity relies heavily on donations so fundraising is essential to its survival.

Chris said: “My family and I are so grateful to George and Graham for their support, and to everyone who has donated to our cause so far.

“Those who enjoy cycling will know the feeling of accomplishment when they do their first long ride – 25 miles, 50 miles, even 100 miles in a day – that’s a long way.

“One hundred miles is from Exeter to Bristol or Falmouth. Some say cycling 100 miles is equivalent to running a marathon, but we’re not content with that – we want to earn our money so we designed the 300-mile Devon X Challenge.”

You can make a donation via Chris’ JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-gibson19 .

For further information, pop into Helmores or go to the website: www.fragilex.org.uk .