It’s time to saddle up for the virtual Grimsby Bikeathon
RIDERS URGED TO COMPLETE THEIR OWN ROUTES IN THEIR OWN TIME TO HELP CHARITY
FAMILIES across North East Lincolnshire are tolling their cycle bells and riding out in a fundraising effort to support a cancer charity.
Gail Young and her family are saddling up for the Grimsby Bikeathon in aid of Blood Cancer UK in memory of her father Frank Barraclough. The former Grimsby Harriers athletics coach and headteacher at Elliston School in Cleethorpes died over five years ago from acute myeloid leukaemia.
His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are taking part in the annual event which is being organised virtually this year because of coronavirus restrictions. Last year’s event had to be cancelled.
Gail, the new secretary of the Grimsby branch of Blood Cancer UK, along with her daughter Rachel Hudson, thanked their sponsors and urged many other families to sign up for the Grimsby Bikeathon.
Gail said: “We are very grateful to all the sponsors who have helped us in memory of dad.” Frank, who was also a headteacher at Elliston Juniors, was remembered for his years of dedication towards Grimsby Harriers. He carried the Olympic torch through Mablethorpe in 2012 in recognition of his service. The event, which regularly attracts around 400 riders of all ages, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the cancer research.
Riders normally have a choice of routes which are well-signposted over the Lincolnshire Wolds.
It normally attracts hundreds of riders who usually take part in the bike ride setting off from East Ravendale. But this year due to restrictions organisers have urged riders to complete their own routes in their own time over the next two weeks. Charity chairman Birdie Dawson said: “We really hope all our great supporters will help us again. Please do your best to get people taking part in some way. It might be easier this year because it doesn’t matter how far you cycle.”
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to help fund
We are very grateful to all the sponsors who have helped us in memory of dad.
Gail Young