82-year-old woman rides up Mont Ventoux to raise funds for Gaza aid

An 82-year-old woman has ridden up Mont Ventoux to raise money for Gaza aid. Anne Jones from Lewisham, London, took six hours to complete the climb, which is 20.8km long and 1,594m high.

So far, she has raised over £14,000 through her ride, which she is donating to Amos Trust. The trust supports the Al Ahli hospital, a youth trauma centre, and Gaza Sunbirds, a Paracycling team based on the strip who are now distributing aid to their communities on bikes.

After completing the climb on 17 May, Jones posted an update on her JustGiving page describing the horrific weather conditions she overcame to reach the top.

"We did it! The first 15km was relatively enjoyable through beautiful woodland (with cuckoo) and at cafe Reynard we were warmly welcomed - and a kind Belgian family donated 50 euros - but the last 7 km was a battle through hailstorm thunder and fog such that we almost missed the Tommy Simpson memorial close to the top.

"The summit was one final massive push, a few photos and happiness at having made it - in 5 hours. So grateful to Megan, Chris, Ann and Noel, also Trudy and Paul in their van."

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Jones got the idea to ride the 'Giant of Provence' during a cycling trip last summer with Amos Trust director Chris Rose, and she was accompanied on the charity ride by a small group from the Amos Trust.

She said the suffering of children and families in Gaza is "too terrible to witness on a daily basis", so instead of "wringing [her] hands in despair", she wanted to act.

Before the challenge, Jones wrote on her JustGiving page: "A 20.8km bike ride up a mountain of 1,594 vertical metres might sound quite mad at my age of 82. But I am no stranger to cycling up mountains and am very lucky to be blessed by good health and strength.

"Over 11,000 Palestinian children killed is 11,000 too many, just as each Israeli killed is one too many."

Jones is a grandmother of six, and a retired psychotherapist and social worker. She has spent her life volunteering all around the world, and she's not letting her advancing age stop her from helping others.

The BBC reports that, with this challenge completed, Jones will now continue her volunteer work in Calais, where she helps refugees to learn English and mend clothes.

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