Cycling challenge
FOUR cycling novices who completed their own version of the Tour de France received a heroes’ welcome in Paris.
Victoria Smith, Sally Williams, Jo Boyd and Gemma Bullivent-Hughes rode along the Champs Elysees 24 hours ahead of cyclists in the famous French race.
The quartet have raised about £5,000 for East Cheshire Hospice after their 300-mile four-day adventure which began in London last Wednesday (July 25).
The trip, which was part of the charity’s 30th anniversary celebrations, saw them cycle through Kent to Dover for a ferry crossing to Calais en route to Paris.
The highlight was the last leg of the journey to the Arc de Triomphe before watching as elite cyclists reached the same destination the following day during the climax to the Tour de France.
The women joined the crowds lining the route while still recovering from their own epic journey.
Jo, events manager at the hospice, said: “It was a big challenge for all of us because we’re not serious cyclists by any means. I think my last time on a bike before I started training for this event was at Centre Parcs. I had an accident on a bike when I was a child and since then had been quite nervous about cycling. We cycled up to 80 miles a day and it was an amazing experience. We’d like to thank everyone who sponsored us, raising vital funds for the hospice.”
Sally admits cycling helped her recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a condition which developed after a bout of glandular fever.
Sally said: “I decided to celebrate getting my health back by taking part in this London to Paris bike ride to help raise funds for the hospice. For a long time I was housebound and could just about manage getting out of bed.
“Five years on, I’m at a point I never thought I’d reach. I fell in love with cycling last summer and it’s been one of the things that’s had a massive impact on my recovery.
“I feel so lucky to have the health I have now.”
Victoria Smith took part in memory of her mum Lindsey, a hospice patient.
Victoria said: “I want to repay the hospice for the care we received for mum during our four-day stay in March 2015 and beyond.”
IT’S a dog’s life so why not treat them to a day out at Tough Woofer at Capesthorne Hall on Sunday, September 30?
This fun obstacle course is designed for four-legged friends – and their owners – and is the first doggy event organised by East Cheshire Hospice.
The 5k course has up to 15 different obstacles, including water, mud and climbing challenges with the first wave setting off at 10am.
Jo Boyd, events organiser at the hospice, said: “The emphasis is on fun so it’s not a competition or a race and there’s no need to complete all the obstacles.
“People can enter with their dog, or by themselves or with family and friends if they don’t have a canine friend to bring along.
“It’ll be a fantastic family day out with live entertainment.
“Stalls will sell dog treats and various accessories and there will be a mini agility course, doggy shower and pampering area to treat dogs which have finished the course, plus food and drink for everyone.”
People must be aged eight and over on event day and dog entrants must be one year or over.
The entrance fee is £35 for a dog/owner and £25 for people only.
The hospice says entry fees only cover the cost of staging the event so participants are urged to raise at least £30 in sponsorship.
A T-shirt, dog bandana and medals are provided.
To enter go to www. eastcheshirehospice.org. uk/toughwoofer.