Gran, 82, bikes up ‘grueling’ mountain to raise money for Gaza

A grandmother has cycled up a mountain to raise aid for the people of Palestine.

Anne Jones, 82, from Lewisham in south London, conquered Mont Ventoux on her bike – a 12.9-mile ride uphill with a long vertical climb.

The retired psychotherapist and social worker took on the challenge in southern France because she had a ‘responsibility’ for the people of Palestine.

The grandmother-of-six pedaled for six hours on Wednesday to reach the summit at 6,270ft (1,910m) above sea level.

Her age-defying feat raised almost £13,000 for Amos Trust’s emergency appeal for Gaza.

Anne said she was ‘absolutely fine’ and ‘delighted’ after summiting the mountain known as The Beast of Provence while raising money and changing ‘assumptions’ about elderly people.

She told PA Real Life: ‘I’m really, really happy.

‘The tiredness has suddenly hit me but I’m absolutely fine and delighted that we did it.

‘On the way, we had so many warm messages over WhatsApp from people actually in Gaza which was wonderful.

‘I want to encourage people to get out there and do things.

‘There are a lot of people who get to 65 and think their age means they can’t do things but my message is they can.’

Anne spent her life helping others, travelling the world and volunteering in places such as India, Romania and France.

In recent years, she has given English lessons to refugees in Calais, which she plans to continue after completing the cycling challenge.

Last summer, Anne took on the Big Ride for Palestine, a multi-day cycle of hilly lanes in South Wales.

While the challenge might ‘sound quite mad’ at her age, she wanted to use her time this way ‘than wringing my hands in despair and anguish,’ she wrote on her JustGiving page.

She continued: ‘Over 11,000 Palestinian children killed is eleven thousand too many, just as each Israeli killed is one too many.

‘I protest as I can at this slaughter in full view of the world, so I am undertaking this challenge to raise funds towards some kind of physical healing of the wounds, and the emotional trauma.’

She was first inspired to take on the challenge during a cycling trip last summer with Amos Trust director Chris Rose, who joined her on the ride along with Megan Williams from the London-based human rights charity.

Cycling up the grueling Mont Ventoux has been a long-time dream of Anne’s.

The money raised helps Amos Trust partners in Gaza, supporting Al Ahli hospital, a youth trauma centre and Gaza Sunbirds, a Paracycling team based on the strip who distribute aid on bikes, she said on her fundraising page.

Anne was cheered on by her friends and family, including her two children and six grandchildren.

They ‘could not have been more supportive’ as they sent her energy bars and gelsbefore the trip, she said.

‘My son immediately told all his friends and the money piled in – the grandchildren have been wonderful too,’ she said.

‘There’s been so many donations, it’s really quite overwhelming and that was another motivation because you don’t want to let people down.’

Anne said she feels ‘so strongly about what is happening in Gaza and feel a responsibility to do what is possible.’

The is also passionate about fighting ageism and stereotypes.

She said: ‘I think people see an old face and they make assumptions.

‘I know there are plenty of really active 60-plus people out there.

‘I do ballet class and we’re all over 65.’

But she said it ‘wasn’t about me, it’s about what’s happening in Gaza.’

‘It’s unspeakably barbaric, I can’t believe they’re still doing terrible things to one another. I wonder if civilisation has ever changed,’ she continued.

‘But I received messages and videos from people in Gaza yesterday and it gives me hope, and I know it gives other people hope.’

She said: ‘Just thinking about humanitarianism and I think for many, it’s seeing children suffering and that’s why so many have supported me in this.’

After the October 7 attack, Amos Trust said in a statement it condemned both the ‘brutality of Hamas’s attack’ and the ‘severity of Israel’s retribution,’ the BBC reports.

Megan Williams from Amos Trust who was part of the support crew, said: ‘Anne, who is over double my age, is an inspiration to us all.’

Mont Ventoux has hosted the legendary Tour de France bicycle race several times and it is known as one of the most grueling climbs in the entire professional race.

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