A MEMBER of staff at Helmores estate agency in Crediton is in training for a charity cycle venture.

George Clover is training for 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 Thursday, June 14, George, Chris and Graham will set off on the gruelling cycling challenge that will literally keep them up all night.

The small team will be 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 will start from the Helmores office in Crediton, which will mark the centre of the ‘X’.

From there, they will head out to Westward Ho! and back, past Plymouth to Wembury and back, Porlock and back, and finally Exmouth and back.

All-in-all, the challenge should take the guys a total of around 48 hours. A gargantuan challenge in anyone’s book!

An avid cyclist, George started training for the challenge back in the Autumn with 20-mile sessions in the gym before work and longer rides at the weekends.

Steadily, his training has increased and he is now covering 100 miles in a day, which takes him around eight hours, every weekend.

Helmores is backing the challenge with some essential funds, and donations have been flooding in, encouraging the trio and inspiring even more determination to nail their incredible feat.

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.

“Our route cycling out and back to our Crediton base will create an “X” across the county and will be a lasting reminder of our efforts. So, three continuous centuries, no sleep, lots of hills and one great charity.”

The trio will welcome anyone who wants to join them for a leg or part leg of their route, but will need to know in advance for safety reasons. They will also have a support vehicle to ensure they have food, water and a masseuse on hand for the inevitable cramp, plus some spares for the bikes.

They are not ashamed to ask for financial support – that is the reason they’re doing it after all! There is still time to 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 .