SO far more than £8,000 has been raised by Cheriton Bishop’s Dr Jason Clunie for the local community support service.

On Saturday, August 3, Dr Clunie cycled half the height of Everest by going up and down Bridford Hill 27 times, a total of 60 miles cycling with 4,290m of climbing, 54 times altogether to mark his 54th birthday.

Dr Clunie said the ride had gone fantastically and was “fabulously well supported” with local people part way up the hill and many at the top.

He was raising funds for Acorn Community Support, a local charity that provides social, emotional and practical support for the elderly within the communities.

Services include a Memory Lane Café for clients with dementia and their carers, weekly coffee mornings, lunch clubs, transport to medical appointments, monthly day trip to places of interest.

All these services are provided through the commitment of an army of volunteers.

Seven local cyclists joined Dr Clunie on parts of the climb, some did one climb, one brave soul managed 11 ups and downs but Dr Clunie was the only one to complete the whole Half Everest challenge of 27 rides up and down.

A motorbike escort for the first descent and ascent was provided by Dale McCrea from Bridford, a bit like the Tour de France.