Hardest Challenge in Europe in memory of Rob Stephenson

Known as ‘The Mission Improbable team’, Tom Riddolls, along with brothers, George, Jamie and Eddy Rounthwaite, are taking on the the Verbier 140km run in Switzerland – a challenge which has a 60 per cent drop out rate – to raise funds for The Rob Stephenson Trust.

Starting on July 10 at 10pm from Verbier, the team will need to complete the route, taking on the surrounding seven peaks, and get back to Verbier within 43 hours.

Rob Stephenson was just 21 when he died on a night out in York on March 26 in 2016. He was run over after lying in a road.

Following his death, Rob’s parents, Patrick and Nicki, and older brother, Sam, set up The Rob Stephenson Trust to help young people pay for club tours or reading material at college and university.

Tom said The Rob Stephenson Trust, which was set up following the death of the popular student in 2016, was something that sat close to all of their hearts.

Tom said “With it being 10 years since Rob’s passing, it felt like the perfect moment to take this on in his memory.

“I was lucky enough to grow up next door to Pat, Nicki, Sam, and Rob, and even at a young age I can remember that cheeky smile through the fence.

“It is great to keep his memory alive and do something so positive in his name. I am sure he will be looking down, smiling, and perhaps laughing at how ridiculous the challenge we have set ourselves.”

Jamie said: “Pat, Nicki, Sam, and Rob have been such a large part of both Malton and Norton Rugby Club, Pickering, and Lady Lumley’s School.

We are a tight-knit community, and it is great to set this challenge and raise money in Rob’s memory. I am not going to lie — the challenge is daunting, but let’s see where we go and do it with a smile, and hopefully raise some funds for charity to do some great things in 2026/27.”

As part of their training the team has completed the Hardmoors 55 mile run and were getting used to hill climbing.

Jamie said: “Rather than pure distance, it’s about getting used to elevation – not the easiest when you live in the Vale of York. So we’re doing a lot of weighted stepper work, as well as trying to get up to the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District as much as possible.”

“We learnt a lot about pacing by taking part in the Hardmoors 55. It’s easy to go off too quickly. I think we all realised just how monumental the Verbier St Bernard is going to be as well.”

Eddie said they didn’t have a target time, the main aim was just to complete it.

“Running through the night is going to be a major challenge, and if and when we sleep, as we’ll be up for 42 hours. I think it’s important we stay together and remember we’re doing this as a team.”

“This is one of the hardest high-altitude ultras in Europe and is part of the UTMB World Series. That means at the front you’ve got some of the best ultra runners in the world, and I think it has around a 40% completion rate.

“The main thing is to see how far we get within the cut-off times at each checkpoint, as that will ultimately dictate whether we complete it or not.”

The Rob Stephenson Trust has raised over £250,000 and has spent money supporting various sports organisations across the UK as well as in countries including South Africa, Kenya, Brazil, India and many more.

Eddie said: “The Trust’s motto is ‘Laugh, Live, Learn, Play’ and that is the mantra we’ll carry with us through this challenge. There will no doubt be plenty of all four along the way — and we’re sure Rob would expect nothing less.”

Rob’s mum, Nicki said: “The trust reflects so much of what Tom, Jamie, Eddy, and George have been lucky enough to experience growing up in North Yorkshire.

“The trust helps break down the financial barriers that sometimes exist, giving young people the chance to get involved in sport, access opportunities, and feel part of a supportive community. From supporting local youth cricket teams to donating equipment internationally, it’s about more than just sport — it’s about culture, family, and a support system that stays with you.

“Myself, Patrick and Sam are really proud that the lads have decided to support Rob. We really hope they succeed and wish them lots of luck.”

The team are currently being sponsored by The Paddle Farm, York, Arable Advisor, Rounthwaite & Woodhead, The Helmsley Group.

Anyone else who is is interested in sponsoring the team should contact Jamie on jamie@rounthwaite-woodhead.co.uk phone 07977 441679 or Tom Riddolls tom-riddolls@helmsley.co.uk phone 07901 893838.

To make a donation go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/missionimprobable-tom-jamie-eddy-george