Exeter retiree cycles 106 miles to raise money for local primary school

Robert Mansell, 78, a resident at Exeter retirement community Millbrook Village, took part in the Mallorca 312 cycling challenge to raise money for Winkleigh Primary School.

The Mallorca 312 is the longest cycle event for sportive cyclists held in Spain, covering three possible distances of 200, 150 and 106 miles through the Balearic Island, including 30 miles through the Tramuntana mountains – the highest mountains on the island.

Millbrook resident Robert Mansell, aged 78, completed 106 miles in nine and a half hours, all in an effort to raise money for Winkleigh Primary School, where his daughter is Principal.

Robert commented: “I’ve been riding in Mallorca for the last nine years and have completed this challenge once before in 2019, where I also won the award for the ‘most experienced rider’ at the age of 76. After the pandemic caused the event to be cancelled last year and again earlier this year, I set myself the challenge to ride again at nearly 79 years old! It just goes to show that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Fellow residents at Millbrook have been kind enough to support my aim to raise money for Winkleigh Primary School and so far we have raised £80.”

Inspired Villages, which operates Millbrook Village, places a big focus on enriching the lives of over 65s to help them live healthy, independent lives for longer. Their vibrant communities focus on enhancing the holistic wellbeing or residents through the provision of hundreds of activities and events each month, ranging from pool pilates and dance classes, to choirs and arts and crafts all designed to ensure retirees stay mentally and physically active.

Millbrook offers over 65s the chance to enjoy an active and sociable retirement in a welcoming, secure community, with the Devon coast and countryside on their doorstep. The village is home to a host of state-of-the-art facilities, including a relaxation pool, gym, cinema, and restaurant.

Rachel Tottle, Village Manager at Millbrook Village, said: “We firmly believe at Inspired Villages that age is just a number and retirement can be full of new adventures, which residents like Robert prove time and time again with their achievements in later life. Congratulations to Robert for completing this challenging cycle ride.”