Pedalling the South Downs Way

Henfield Leisure Centre is once again the host of another fundraising challenge on the weekend of Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd September. A team of fourteen intrepid members will be cycling 100 miles of the off-road South Downs Way over the two days, and at the same time a ‘spin-a-thon’ will be taking place at the Leisure Centre. Anyone (and everyone!) can get involved by contacting the Leisure Centre reception or by popping in to book on one or more of the sixteen classes. 

When Henfield Leisure Centre first opened its doors thirty-three years ago on July 29th 1990, it heralded the dawn of a bright new sporting era for the village. Since then, a huge number of people have passed through its doors, not just to enjoy the modern gym, fitness classes and personal training, but also for Sharky’s Soft Play and café.

Henfield Leisure Centre is a registered charity (with incredibly low membership fees) and it relies on memberships and fundraising to remain open and provide a much needed community facility for all ages and abilities. 

In 2011 siblings Sammie Bremner, Martin Hayne and Tracey Prescott formed 777 Fundraising to raise money for Henfield Leisure Centre by completing various challenge events. They continued with a cycling challenge from Paris to Henfield, and to date the team raised in excess of £30k for Henfield Leisure Centre – a phenomenal achievement!

Some of the team members told us what has inspired them to attempt this challenging bike ride. Adrian Hillman said; “As a HLC Trustee I am acutely aware of how difficult it is to keep this absolutely essential facility open during such challenging times. We can’t do it alone, so we are calling on the Henfield community to support us and help to keep the village fit and well!” Mark Berrett said; “I’m doing it because once again Tracey has been pretty persuasive! She seems to be able to convince all of us that it’s a good idea (often over a glass of something) then the reality hits when we’re 50 miles in!” Rob Slaughter, whose brother Trevor is also part of the team, said; ‘I’m doing it to get to be the first in the Slaughter family to get to the finish!” 

Leisure Centre manager Simon Thompson and 777 Fundraising would like to thank their event sponsors so far: Adrian and Katherine Hillman at Rushfields; David Smith at Clif Bar; Emily Joyes at Stevens Estate Agents and Lettings; Danielle Hope at Henfield Home Checks; and Jon Bull at Secured 24/7. All their support will give the cycling team a massive boost, just when the rolling hills of the South Downs start to seem impossible!

To donate to this latest challenge visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/pedalforhenfieldreturns, or why not take part in the spin-a-thon yourself or with a group of friends or work colleagues? For details, please call 01273 494984 or contact tracey.prestcott@hotmail.co.uk 

Please help the team to reach their £10k target to buy essential equipment for Henfield Leisure Centre.

Tracey Prescott