Welcome to the ‘Tour de Walkshire’
THIS year’s cancelled Tour de Yorkshire is to be replaced with a sponsored walk.
In November, Welcome to Yorkshire (WTY) announced it was pulling the Tour de Yorkshire - one of professional cycling’s top road races - because of coronavirus.
Now WTY, the county’s official tourist board, has instead launched Tour de Walkshire, a sponsored walk, run, ride and push to raise cash for its charity partner Yorkshire Cancer Research.
The campaign encourages people to exercise on some of Yorkshire’s most picturesque footpaths, bridleways and roads next month.
There’s also the ‘Captain Tom 100’ in tribute to Yorkshire-born Covid pandemic hero Cpt Tom Moore.
Sir Cpt Tom died, aged 100, in February after raising millions for the NHS.
On April 30, which would have been his 101st birthday, participants can opt to walk, run, ride or push a buggy or wheelchair 100 steps, 100km or 100miles depending on their fitness.
WTY chief executive James Mason said: “As the Tour de Yorkshire cycling race has been postponed until 2022 due to the pandemic, we wanted to create an inclusive and exciting event to bring people together (following government guidelines of course) in the great outdoors, to encourage fitness and well-being, fundraise and also raise essential awareness for an amazing charity, plus showcase our breathtaking county.
“The Tour de Walkshire is the perfect way to do this and will be fun for all throughout the month of May, raising vital funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research, the outstanding official charity partner of Welcome to Yorkshire.
“Cancer is not exclusive. Almost everyone in the county will know someone affected by cancer. As such this is a cause we should all get behind.
“Yorkshire Cancer Research undertake vital research to support those impacted by this disease whilst investing in groundbreaking medical advancements.
“We hope that Welcome to Yorkshire’s strong brand and global support received for its exciting events will help us to raise a significant amount of awareness and money for this important charity.”
Yorkshire Cancer Research brand director Juliet Glendinning, said: “As Yorkshire’s independent cancer charity, Yorkshire Cancer Research is pleased to work with Welcome To Yorkshire to help people across our region.
“The pandemic has had a devasting impact on people with cancer and has meant thousands of cancers have gone undiagnosed at an early stage when they’re easier to treat. We’re determined to change this.
“The Tour de Walkshire encourages people to get outdoors, be active and help save lives. Exercise has many benefits; it can help lower the risk of cancer and improve cancer treatment and recovery.
“So we would love to see friends, families, teams and organisations across the county get involved and do some good for themselves and for Yorkshire.”