Lewisham woman, 82, bikes up Mont Ventoux to raise Gaza aid funds
By Jess Warren & PA Media,BBC News
An 82-year-old grandmother has taken on one of the Tour de France’s most famous mountains to raise funds for aid to Gaza.
Anne Jones, from Lewisham, south London, rode 20km (12 miles) up Mont Ventoux in southern France to support Amos Trust’s Gaza appeal.
She battled hail, rain and fog as she cycled for six hours to the climb’s summit at 1,910m (6,270ft) above sea level.
An 82-year-old grandmother has taken on one of the Tour de France’s most famous mountains to raise funds for aid to Gaza.
Anne Jones, from Lewisham, south London, rode 20km (12 miles) up Mont Ventoux in southern France to support Amos Trust’s Gaza appeal.
She battled hail, rain and fog as she cycled for six hours to the climb’s summit at 1,910m (6,270ft) above sea level.
Ms Jones raised £13,000 for the appeal.
The grandmother-of-six said she was “delighted” to have completed the feat and hoped it would change the “assumptions” people make when they see “an old face”.
“I want to encourage people to get out there,” said the retired psychotherapist and social worker.
“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.”
Ms Jones was first inspired to take on the mountain known as the “Beast of Provence” during a cycling trip last summer with Amos Trust director Chris Rose.
She said she felt she had a “responsibility” to tackle the feat for the people of Palestine.
“I would rather use my time this way than wringing my hands in despair and anguish,” she wrote on her JustGiving page.
“Over 11,000 Palestinian children killed is 11,000 too many, just as each Israeli killed is one too many.”
In a statement released after the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, the Amos Trust said it “condemn[ed]” both the “brutality of Hamas’s attack” and “the severity of Israel’s retribution”.
A team of people, including Mr Rose and Megan Williams from Amos Trust, accompanied Ms Jones for the ride.
Ms Williams said the octogenarian was an “inspiration to us all”.
Ms Jones said she had also received a lot of support from family, friends and people in Gaza.
“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,” she added.
Ms Jones now plans to continue her volunteer work in Calais where she offers English lessons and helps refugees mend their clothes.
She has previously volunteered in places including India and Romania.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
Latest
“To claim Palestine after two thousand years made no more sense to him than the Italians claiming Germany because it was once occupied by the Romans.”
― Fred Uhlman, Reunion
Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks However I am experiencing concern with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting identical rss downside? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
I?¦m now not sure the place you are getting your info, but great topic. I must spend some time finding out more or figuring out more. Thanks for great info I used to be looking for this info for my mission.
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.
I like this blog very much, Its a really nice post to read and find info .
Hey! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share. Many thanks!
Thankyou for this post, I am a big fan of this website would like to continue updated.
I?¦m no longer sure the place you’re getting your information, but great topic. I must spend a while studying much more or figuring out more. Thanks for magnificent info I was on the lookout for this information for my mission.
Fantastic web site. Lots of helpful information here. I’m sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks to your effort!
Pretty portion of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to say that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing in your feeds and even I achievement you get admission to persistently fast.
You could definitely see your skills within the work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart. “Man is the measure of all things.” by Protagoras.
You have brought up a very wonderful details, appreciate it for the post.
Keep up the fantastic piece of work, I read few blog posts on this website and I conceive that your web blog is very interesting and contains sets of wonderful info .
very good post, i definitely love this website, keep on it
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.
I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again
I went over this web site and I conceive you have a lot of good information, bookmarked (:.
I like this web site because so much useful stuff on here : D.
Hello.This post was really fascinating, especially because I was looking for thoughts on this subject last Monday.
Glad to be one of the visitors on this awesome internet site : D.
I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site :).