Shelton takes on huge cycling challenge to support the Mecklenburgh Fund

Shelton Bell, the College’s Compliance and Extra Works Supervisor, is undertaking a “monstrous endeavour” to support the College’s Mecklenburgh Fund, which helps provide hardship funds to Members who encounter unexpected financial difficulties. This can be the difference between Members being able to complete their studies, or having to leave their course and return home.

Coming from Pietermaritzburg in South Africa, as a young boy Shelton enjoyed spending as much time as possible outside on his bike. When he moved to the UK in 2019, along with his wife, Carmen, and their two dogs, he found the perfect excuse to get back on his bike and relive his youth, albeit in slightly gloomier climes.

Shelton will be taking part in the London Edinburgh London ultra-endurance cycling event with the aim of raising £3,000 for the College along the way. This epic ride will see Shelton cycle 1,500km from London to Edinburgh and back again, climbing over 10,000 metres in the process, in just four days.

The event allows competitors five days but Shelton wants to push himself that extra bit further. This is typical of Shelton who likes to go the extra mile. During the first COVID lockdown in March 2020, just a few months after first joining the College, Shelton volunteered to live on-site Monday to Friday to ensure everything continued to function. For four months, Shelton ensured that everything was running smoothly for the College’s Members, which is a real testament to his character.

Shelton and Carmen have already raised money for the College by taking part in the 2021 Virtual London Marathon, raising £500 between them for the Mecklenburgh Fund. Shelton has always been interested in pushing himself and has taken part in a number of endurance events, including a half Ironman triathlon.

The London Edinburgh London ride will be Shelton’s biggest challenge to date; it will be a real test of his mental and physical resilience. Riders have no support along the 1,500km route apart from at checkpoints; if something goes wrong, it’s up to the rider to fix it. There is no rescue team!

Please help Shelton to reach his £3,000 fundraising target. It will make a huge difference to the Mecklenburgh Fund, which has seen record usage since the pandemic due to Members suffering job losses and their families being unable to step in to support them. Now, with the rising cost of living, many more will encounter financial stress and will need the Mecklenburgh Fund to help them to complete their studies.

To follow Shelton’s progress, both training and fundraising, visit his JustGiving page.