MOUNTAIN MAYHEM

A courageous staff nurse from Huddersfield has raised over £400 for people with learning disabilities in a challenging test of endurance.

Mark Adams, a staff nurse with learning disability services which are run by the South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust, took part in the Saab Solomon Mountain Mayhem 24 hour endurance weekend.

The world-renowned event, held at Eastnor Castle in Hertfordshire, was attended by some of the top mountain bikers in the world. Competitors either ride as a team in relay, or on their own, over a gruelling, off road circuit trying to complete as many laps as possible in 24 hours – each lap is approximately 12 miles long.

Mark rode solo and managed to complete 7 laps of the challenging circuit in 24 hours – covering over 80 miles in atrocious weather conditions, that saw many riders drop out after the first lap.

Mark said, ‘It was extremely demanding competition and the weather conditions on the day made it even more difficult. Overall I came 59th out of the 95 solo riders, and finished with a dislocated finger and lots of bruises. Raising £400 was a great achievement – it was definitely worth it. I’m working hard now to ride in the competition again next year!’