Staff at the Grade One listed Clumber Park, in Nottinghamshire, are planning to take on an epic, 24-hour cycle challenge to raise vital funds for the iconic Ornamental Bridge.
In early March 2018, the historic bridge was subject to an act of vandalism, that left it severely damaged.
On Saturday April 27 and Sunday April 28, four Clumber Park employees will be taking part in a gruelling 24-hour cycling challenge, known as the Big Push, to raise the cash needed to get the bridge back to it's former glory.
The repairs to the bridge will be met and covered by insurance and the National Trust will begin the rebuild of the bridge in early May.
Members of the Supporter Engagement Team are hoping to raise £20,000 which will go towards the additional restoration costs of the bridge which is not covered by insurance.
Ornamental Bridge at Clumber Park to remain closed to cars following vandalism
Torri Crapper, Supporter Engagement Manager, 31, will be joined by her team mates Kate Stark, 36, Sara Gacem, 30 and Claire Sarris, also 36.
Torri said seeing the bridge vandalised "was completely heart-breaking."
She added: "Over the years it has been standing, people have made their own memories here be it cycling over the bridge with family, or walking over and having a reflective moment.
"It's a place of first dates, first bike rides, proposals and weddings. It holds special memories for many people.
"In all of the sadness, the support for the park was just lovely. We want to do our bit to help raise funds to restore this beautiful feature of Clumber Park.
"The scaffolding alone costs around £150,000 because it's such a protected site, so finding the extra £20,000 was up to us."
Each team member will be doing their share of the cycling in a 'relay' type approach, from midday on Saturday until midday on Sunday.
Each member is expected to cycle around 140 miles in 24 hours around Clumber Lake, which is just over a four mile route.
The team said they had not had any real cycling experience before they started training in October last year, but have collectively racked up around 600 hours of training and covered around 6000 miles.
Torri added that the team has trained in all weathers, at various times of the day and night to prepare for the main event.
She said: "This has meant turning that devastation on the bridge into a positive and has brought us together as a real team.
"I think you take it for granted, but now we recognise the bridges value so much more.
"The support has been so overwhelming, people have been so generous, I actually had a bit of a cry the other day.
"The training has been agony, but we've enjoyed it and we're planning to put a cycle group together and explore more of the park's trails.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the people who have already donated, to our sponsors – JE James Cycles, Giant, Speedy and Crewsaders, and to all of our supporters.”
In addition to the cycle challenge, there will be additional family cycling activities also taking place this weekend, including the chance to ride penny farthings.
Visitors are also encouraged to show their support and cheer the 'Big Push' team on.
Donations are still being taken and you can visit the team’s Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/clumberparkthebigpush.
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