Old Eleans complete 'Race to Paris' charity challenge

Two Old Eleans have raised more than £500 for charity by completing a challenge inspired by the popular BBC One show, 'Race Across the World'!

Gabe Boon and Piers Halley, who became friends when they were students at King's Ely Sixth Form, joined forces to take on the University of Bath 'Race to Paris 2024' challenge.

Their and twenty-five other student duos' mission was to travel from Bath to Paris as quickly as possible and without any access to money or telephones, forcing them to rely on quick thinking, creativity, and the goodwill of strangers. Along their routes, each team had to complete various challenges to earn points too, such as taking a selfie with a stranger, talking about their journey on the radio, or trying a classic French delicacy!

The fundraiser kicked off on October 25th and it was organised by the University's student fundraising group to raise money for two charities - Voices, which supports survivors of domestic abuse, and Great Western Air Ambulance, which provides emergency air ambulance services across the Southwest.

Gabe and Piers, who both left Sixth Form in 2022, set off from Bath at 6.30am on October 25th and they arrived in Paris at 7pm the following evening. It took them 36.5-hours, excluding the time difference. They managed to blag eleven different lifts - buses, cars, vans, pick-up trucks, trains, lorries, and a ferry! 

Gabe, who is in his second year at Bath studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering, said: "The most fun part of the trip was chatting with our drivers about their day-to-day lives and hearing all about their backgrounds. We had support from every walk of life – different jobs, backgrounds, ages, and cultures. Listening to their stories, lives, and the reasons they chose to help us made each encounter authentic and fascinating. Watching drivers’ reactions and chatting about the challenge added a lot to the experience too. Keeping our spirits up and staying patient at certain hitchhiking spots was tough. Despite the treacherous weather conditions of the UK, we found ways to keep things light with music, snacks, and some sign-spinning to keep ourselves entertained!"

Piers, who is in his second year at Bath studying Politics and Economics, said: "The public’s support was fantastic! Initially, we did not quite know what to expect, having never hitchhiked before. However, after our first few lifts, we realised that our character impressions from the side of the road were our most contributing factor, and that if we came across as joyful and positive, we stood a good chance of getting a lift. After being stuck in one spot for a while, it was both surprising and a huge relief when someone finally stopped. Those moments became some of the highlights of our trip. We are unbelievably grateful for all of the help we received, and we are so glad that we undertook the challenge!"

At the time of this article going live, Gabe and Piers have raised £596 for the two charities. To donate, visit: University of Bath SU: Gabe & Piers 'Race To Paris'