Kim's initial aim was to raise over £1000 in sponsorship for Jigsaw Trust and Eagle Radio Trust, splitting the proceeds 50/50. Eagle Radio Trust distributes small, much needed awards to local charities in tranches of up to £500. Jigsaw Trust runs Jigsaw CABAS® School, based on Dunsfold Park. Jigsaw are specialists in educating children with autism spectrum disorders from 4 years to 19 years of age and in a new venture, adults can now be supported through Jigsaw's Centre for Lifelong Learning, also based on Dunsfold Park.
The challenge began the moment Kim started pedaling away from the BBC Top Gear start line on Dunsfold Park's legendary track at around 8.45am and was triumphantly finished at 7.30pm. On finishing the challenge Kim said, "I can't explain how proud I feel to have completed this challenge. At 60 miles I started to wonder what I had taken on, so the last 40 were accomplished by my sheer determination to finish. Having different people cycle with me throughout the day and the Jigsaw School children cheer me on each lap was the best encouragement I could have. I am thrilled to have raised £6,000 for my chosen charities."
Throughout the challenge, Kim was joined by numerous guests including Jim McAllister, owner of Dunsfold Park, and his team and Rachel Morris, Team GB's H1-3 Handbike Bronze Medalist from last Summer's Paralympic Games. Rachel said, "I really enjoyed helping Kim with this challenge, it was brilliant for the kids at Jigsaw to be involved, and see people working together. Sport brings people together in lots of different ways and enables people to come together from all walks of life and achieve something."
Jim McAllister, Chief Executive, Dunsfold Park Limited comments "We take great pride in supporting local fundraising initiatives and were only too happy to assist Kim and Eagle Radio with their cycling challenge by donating some time on our famous track. My team and I were with her every pedal of the way and, at the end of the challenge, extremely proud to have helped Kim's fundraising efforts to £6,000."
Throughout the day, Jigsaw pupils visited the track to offer their support and shout encouragement as Kim passed by. The children made special 'Go Kim!' banners to help her on her way and Executive Head of Jigsaw, Kate Grant, says "Kim has always been a great supporter of the work we do here at Jigsaw for our pupils, all of whom have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. 100 miles was a massive challenge but we knew she'd succeed and I'm delighted that our pupils were able to go down to the track and cheer her on throughout the day and offer our support and thanks."