EDIT: Make sure to check out the video at the bottom of the story

On Friday 27th January, 2012, Monica's Gold Challenge took place in and around SportPark at Loughborough University. The main aim of the day was to raise money for LOROS in memory of our dear colleague Monica Gibbs who sadly passed away in September 2010. Our 2nd target was to cover 2012km in total on the day by running, cycling and using rowing machines. With 82 people signed up to take part, it was going to be tough challenge.

The day started early for 5 eager participants as they covered a total of 150km before 8.30am and with a further 6 people going out on a bike ride at lunchtime we had already covered 330km before the main groups started.

At 1pm participants from all over SportPark began the main part of the challenge. With a big final push we finally finished at 5.30pm. By the end, we'd covered a combined effort of 2074KM which is an incredible effort from all those taking part.

This has now risen to 2139.91KM after we added in a few people that couldn't make the event but wanted to take part at other locations. This is a big target for us to have to try and beat in 2013! We hope to have raised in the region of £3000 for LOROS and if you would like to find out more about how you or your organisation can help raise more funds for this very worthy cause then please don't hesitate to get in contact with us. We would also be happy to meet with you if you would like to run a similar event as part of your Workplace Challenge.

This event simply wouldn't have happened had it not been for the support of the following people and organisations:

• Concept 2 for supplying the Rowing Machines
• British Cycling, Team Cycles, Loughborough University and Leicester City Council for supplying Wattbikes and exercise bikes
• GlaxoSmithKlein for donating drinks to keep us going during the day
• IMAGO for donating Bananas and of course Teresa Dalby for making her fantastic Flapjacks!
• Volleyball England for being a huge support in setting up the day and for the use of their Van
• SportPark Reception Staff for their encouragement and for putting up with all the comings and goings throughout the day
• LOROS and Gold Challenge for helping us with the logistics of the day

However, the biggest thank you of the day must go to all those that took part. We had participants from Leicester-shire and Rutland Sport, several of our partner organisations, many different organisations based at SportPark and most importantly members of Monica's Family and their Friends. This was a great team effort and we hope to go on to even bigger and better things next year.