Fitness instructor gets on her bike for ‘Tour de France’ ride
THE shoe is on the other foot for a fitness instructor as she takes on her own version of the Tour de France.
Marita Moore, 34, of Offerton, will cycle from London to Paris in September as part of her ongoing quest to raise money for Marie Curie.
She began last year and stands at £1,900 - just £100 short of her original £2,000 target.
Marita, of the Quadrant, is raising the cash in memory of her sister-inlaw and mum-of-two Lorraine Moore, who died of cancer in 2011 aged just 37.
And the latest task has left Marita, who is used to pushing her clients through physical barriers, as the one on the receiving end.
She said: “The shoe is on the other foot as I am out of my comfort zone, I’ve never ridden a bike since I was a kid.
“It’s quite frustrating as although I am quite fit and active I am doing something completely different. I’m used to lifting heavy weights and short bursts but this is more like a marathon.
“I’m not looking forward to sitting in a saddle for so long but overall I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Marita, who owns Lotus Fitness Academy, was challenged to do the bike ride by local PCSO Mark Salt.
She got on a bike early this year but a back injury means she has only just resumed her training.
Currently it is 60 miles three times a week but she is being helped by Cheshire Mavericks cycling group and will build this distance up.
The bike ride is around 400 miles over four days and starts on September 9. The actual Tour de France, which is happening at the moment is more than 2,000 miles over three weeks.
Other events Marita has organised include dog walks and band nights.
Donations have also been made from schools where Lorraine was a teaching assistant.
She said: “I am doing this to say people have not forgotten about Lorraine.
“She was beautiful in every way imaginable, she was kind caring and loved my brother and her children dearly.
“Getting to £2,000 would be brilliant any more would be amazing.”
To donate visit www. justgiving.com/ lotusfitnessacademy.