Tandem bike challenge for sight support fundraiser
Woman with degenerative sight condition to take on cycling challenge
A Burniston woman will be cycling 100 miles on a tandem bike to raise funds for Yorkshire Coast Sight Support. Liz Pimperton was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa a decade ago and her vision has got progressively worse in recent years.
Now the 51-year-old wants to raise funds for Yorkshire Coast Sight Support and has decided to take on the Prudential Ride in London-Surrey on Sunday.
The 100-mile journey will see
Liz, and her tandem partner Mike Lewis, cycle from London to the Surrey countryside.
“I love cycling but since losing my eyesight I find it extremely difficult to not fall off my bike so I have taken up tandem riding [which is] much safer,” said Liz.
She is overwhelmed by the support she has received from friends and family so far.
“They think I’m mad really. I’m just trying to get on really and make the best of it by trying different things. Losing your sight doesn’t mean you can’t do things.
“It’s a condition which gets progressively worse. It’s got a lot worse recently. My family and friends have been really supportive, especially my husband.”
The Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100 will start in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then travel through the capital and onto Surrey’s country roads and through the Surrey Hills before a finishing on The Mall in Central London.
Liz, who previously worked in tourism, has retrained as a masseur and has recently set up her own business as a massage therapist.
“Two years ago I retrained at the Royal National College for the Blind in massage therapy and reflexology,” said Liz, of Burniston.
Having taken on various running challenges in the past, including a half marathon, this is the first time Liz will be raising money on her bike. She said: “I want to raise awareness of Yorkshire Coast Sight Support. They’re a small charity but they do a lot to provide support for people with visual impairments in the area.They have a lovely resource centre on Dean Road in Scarborough which helps and supports residents going through sight loss with technology social events coffee, cake and a good old chat .”
Liz has set a target of £500 and so far has received more than £100. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Liz-Pimperton4