North Devon Girl Power Helps Heroes

Two North Devon women are taking on a gruelling 7 day multi activity challenge covering over 180 miles and over 10,000 feet of air, to raise funds for Help for Heroes.

Suzanne Smith and Ruth Bateman will cycle, kayak, climb, abseil, hike, horseride and sky jump, starting at Ilfracombe to Baggy point then Instow, Okehampton, Honiton, Brendon and across Exmoor to Challacombe, before finishing in Barnstaple.

Suzanne Smith said "We both have family and friends in the forces, so Help for Heroes is a charity very close to our hearts. Our aim is to raise £10,000 and we are appealing to the public to sponsor us and help us reach this target."

Ruth Bateman explains how local businesses have stepped forward to support their challenge. "Business support has been amazing, Juice advertising for our P.R, Bodens Fire and security for finacial support, Bike it of Barnstaple has provided two Hybrid bikes, Classic Campers is providing transport and accommodation, Blue Orange for Banners, Brendon Riding stables, two horses, Devon outdoor and Supplies for top quality kit. Lilico's for end venue, food and drink, Havana Coffee, Atlas packaging, North Devon plus, NDJournal, Darts Farm, Pure Pilates of Barnstaple, LD Water and Tazza for T-shirt embroidery".

The girls are keen to attract another big sponsor to help them achieve their target of raising £10,000 for the charity. Help for Heroes is a non political charity which provides support for ordinary people that do extraordinary things and help launch wounded, injured and sick personnel back into the next phase of their lives.

The challenge commences on the 23rd of August. Both Suzanne and Ruth recognise that they have set themselves quite a challenge. Susan says "As well as lots of sheer determination, the challenge demands top physical performance, precise logistical planning and a lot of stamina. It's going to be both physically and mentally challenging."

Whilst both girls are fit and have determination, Ruth has the lead when it comes to experience. She's horse backed 250km around Tanzania, walked the entire Pyrenees from east to west, cycled solo and unaided for charity, from land's end to John O' Groats. She says " I am always planning my next challenge! For me life is variety, challenges and inspiration, pushing the boundaries in all aspects. I want to try everything and live life to the complete max!

If you are interested in providing financial or material support to the girls, you can contact them on 07918 762027. To sponsor them go www.justgiving.com/suzy-ruth or text suru99£(amount) to 70070.

Schedule

The girls start their epic journey on Tuesday 23rd August, 10am at Cook Island on the roundabout at Mullacot in North Devon at around 10am. Mullacott Park will be providing bacon sandwiches for everyone who turns up to see them off. Suzy and Ruth aim to finish on the 29th August at Lilico's, Barnstaple Square square later afternoon.

Start: Ilfracombe cycle 15 miles to Baggy Point in Croyde (15 miles)
Day 2 Abseil and climb using traditional climbing techniques then cycle to Crow Point
Day 3: Kayak 3 miles from Crow Point to Instow
Day 4: Cycle Instow to Okehampton (40 miles)
Day 5: Walk Okehampton to Two Bridges following Dartmoor Way and Two Moors Way (15 miles)
Day 6: Cycle from two bridges to Dunkeswell, Honiton (60 miles) & complete Parachute Jump
Day 7: Cycle to Brendon (60 miles) and horse ride across Exmoor to Challacombe (6- 10miles)
Finish: Cycle 15 miles from Challacombe into Barnstaple

For more information:
Suzanne Smith: 07918 762027.
Ruth Bateman: 07796 007264

Photo: The girls pick up their Hybrid Bikes from Bike-it of Barnstaple
L-R: Norman Taylor (Bike It) Ruth Bateman, Suzanne Smith, Micheal Parker (Bike it)