Around 70 cycling enthusiasts took on a crazy 16 hour challenge climbing up and down the mighty ‘Blorenge’ mountain in Abergavenny on Saturday 4th May, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Nick Lane from Monmouthshire did 10 climbs
Following a candle lit remembrance ceremony at 5am, the fundraisers braved the wind and rain, going up and down the landmark, also known as ‘The Tumble’, as many times as physically possible. The third year in it’s existence, TumbleUp4Life is the brainchild of Dutch born Diana Castrop who visits Llanfoist, Abergavenny every year to put on the event.
‘I love the Welsh countryside and the Tumble is the perfect location for such a challenge.
The support from local people is always fantastic be it participants or people who help out on the day. We even had bunting made for us by the ladies of the Llandewi Skirrid Sewing Club which was a lovely gesture.’
Throughout the day the ‘Tumble’, with a distance of 7k from bottom to top, was climbed a mighty 316 times between the participants. Lawrence Gruijters managed to keep his 2 year record and complete the challenge 15 times.
Volunteer Talia Stokes from Llanfoist was there from 4.30am.
‘ The stamina of the cyclists was phenomenal. I was cheering them on as they reached the summit. I wanted to motivate them and remind them what an awesome job they had done for the charity, despite the wind and rain!’
After all the donations have come in, the event should see a sum of around £13,000 going specifically towards research in South Wales.
Event Organiser Diana added; “It was a brilliant day. Not only was it a hard climb, most participants took part in this challenge in remembrance of a loved one. It was a real group effort, everyone supporting each other to push the limits and live life to the fullest.’
If you would like to take part in TumbleUp4Life next year, please visit: http://tumbleup4life.wordpress.com/register-2/