Crosby cyclist to climb height of Everest during 24-hour challenge for Alzheimer's Society

Phil Robinson celebrating after completing a London to Paris bike ride for Alzheimer’s Society.

Submitted by Julia Kouyoumdjian

A local man will cycle non-stop for 24 hours later this week to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

Phil Robinson from Crosby, Merseyside, will climb the equivalent height of Mount Everest during the challenge on Friday, April 9.

The challenge will act as a warm up for the father-of-two, who is also planning to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in September.

Phil’s fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society is in memory of his beloved mum Barbara Robinson, who passed away in September 2015.

After embracing a new hobby, Phil decided to fundraise for Alzheimer’s Society, and he completed a 50km bike ride in 2016, raising £2,500.

He went on to join the Sefton Velo cycling club in Crosby who helped him train to complete a London to Paris bike ride in 2017 with Alzheimer’s Society, raising an impressive £5,000.

Phil said: "I got fitter and lost a lot of weight and the fresh air and comradeship of the Paris challenge was fantastic.

"When I finished the ride on what was also my 10^th wedding anniversary all the emotions just came to me in one massive go, but in a way it gave me closure and it was an incredible experience.

"I really want to try and make a difference and raise some money for Alzheimer’s Society so that people can get the support and much needed help to face this disease."

Phil had originally hoped to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats last year which would have finished on the fifth anniversary of his mum’s passing, but the event was cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic.

Linzi Stewart, Alzheimer’s Society Community Fundraiser for Cheshire, said: "We are extremely grateful for all the time and effort Phil has put into raising money for Alzheimer’s Society, particularly at what is such a challenging time.

"The coronavirus pandemic has been devastating for families in Merseyside and across the UK.

"People affected by dementia need us now more than ever, but the pandemic has hit us hard financially, despite an unprecedented demand for our services.

"The money raised by Phil will help Alzheimer’s Society reach and support more people through our vital services, like our Dementia Connect support line, which has been used 3.7 million times since the pandemic began.

"We are in awe of supporters like him, whose dedication to fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society ensures that we are able to support people affected by dementia when they need us most."

If you would like to make a donation to Phil’s fundraising campaign, click here.