Cyclists cover 500 miles in four days for The Christie
A GROUP of cyclists have travelled through five countries and covered 500 miles in just four days for charity.
David Bailey, 40, who works for AstraZeneca in Macclesfield, led his four friends on a route across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
He came up with the plan to mark his 40th birthday and to raise money for The Christie as his mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and he has lost friends to the disease.
Dad-of-two David said: “Many of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another throughout our lives.
“My mum is still all clear and, touch wood, has made a good recovery. But it brings it home how necessary the work of The Christie is.
“So this was our way of doing something that we all enjoy and pushing ourselves a bit while trying to make a difference.”
Also on the epic journey were David’s friends Graham Stanton, Stuart Millward, Dan Labella and Rob Bradley.
His brother-in-law Sam Billington supported the team by driving kit between each site in preparation for the next stage of the journey.
In total the team each completed more than 27,000ft of ascent – only 2,000 less than climbing Mount Everest – during the ride, for which they began training before Christmas. The first day saw them cycle to Anglesey, catch the ferry to Ireland and end up near Dublin.
Day two was through Northern Ireland and sailing to Scotland, with the final two days making their way back down to Marple.
To donate to the cause visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/5nations500 challenge.