Three years ago, in 2022, I reached out to my sponsors and partners with heartbreaking news: I was withdrawing from Race Across America (RAAM).
A mix of life events — financial strain, the birth of our baby, COVID, a hernia, depression, and renovating our home — impacted both my fitness and mental health. Although the dream of RAAM still burns brightly, the idea of going ‘ultra’ has felt out of reach. For a long time, I just didn’t have the desire — or the strength — to suffer more than I already was.
But now, it’s time to rise again and find purpose.
The Challenge
On Monday, 28 April, I will take on the monumental task of Everesting Aston Hill, near Watlington. That means climbing the same hill repeatedly until I’ve reached a total elevation of 8,848 metres—the height of Mount Everest.
Aston Hill’s ascent is 415m per round trip, so I’ll need to climb it 86 times. This will take around 20 hours and will likely be one of the longest rides of my life — and I haven’t even ridden a century (100 miles) in nearly two years.
So, why now? Why this challenge?
The Purpose: For my child
This ride — and everything that follows — is for my child.
So, this challenge isn’t about me. It’s about raising awareness for autism, shining a light on what it’s like for autistic people and their families, and creating a more supportive, understanding world.
Why I’m Supporting RISE SPACE
RISE SPACE is a specialist educational and wellbeing provider based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Solely funded by Buckinghamshire County Council, they provide essential services for young people who need specialist support.
Their goal is to develop a much-needed outdoor learning and socialising space — a resource that would have a transformational impact on young people like my child. However, due to their funding model, this must be self-funded.
This is my way of giving back — supporting the staff, students, and community that have shown my family so much love and kindness.
🔗 Please help me raise £1,000 for RISE SPACE https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/guystaplefordultra
About RISE SPACE
RISE SPACE offers innovative, whole-person educational programs tailored to young people aged 11–25, focusing on confidence, resilience, independence, and community connection.
Their Programs Include:
- RISE SPACE Colleges (16–25): Bespoke full and part-time education for life skills and future planning.
- RISE IGNITE (14–17): Support for young people disengaged from traditional schooling.
- RISE SURFACE (14–25): A SEND programme to prepare for life and work.
- RISE STREAM (11–25): Online learning for those facing Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance.
- Outreach Services (11–25): One-on-one support at home and in the community.
- RISE X/RISE Create (11–19): School holiday schemes focused on engagement and development.
They are committed to empowering young people with choice, independence, and dignity, and to breaking down harmful stereotypes.
🌐 Learn more: www.risespace.uk
About the Challenge: Everesting Aston Hill
This is a double-header challenge—a mental and physical mountain to climb.
It will be my longest ride in three years and my latest attempt at “Everesting” To date, my biggest ride was 441km across Great Britain in April 2022. I’ve completed:
- A virtual Everesting on Zwift (Aug 2020)
- A real-world Everesting on Whiteleaf Hill (Sept 2023)
- A Half-Everest on Chinnor Hill (Aug 2024)
Now, I’m tackling Aston Hill, one of my favourite climbs on the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. With an average gradient of just over 4%, it’s both challenging and beautiful—alpine-style, tree-lined, and occasionally revealing panoramic views towards Oxford.
🚴♂️ KOM on Strava: 4:16 by Max Steadman
🏁 My PB: 6:20—but pace isn’t the goal here. It’s about grit, repetition, and purpose.
📍 Segment: Strava Link
Join Me on This Journey
I’m not just doing this ride to test myself — I’m doing it to fight for understanding, empathy, and change. For my child. For every autistic young person who feels isolated. For every family searching for support.
Please help me shine a light on autism, support RISE SPACE, and inspire hope.
🎯 Donate Now
📣 Share This Story
💬 Follow My Journey on social media and Strava
Together, we can climb more than just hills — we can rise to build a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Guy x
Guy Stapleford Ultra 