• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

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Pedallers’ Marathon Effort for Cervical Screening

Screen Shot 2015-05-26 at 13.44.01A TOWN challenge has been set – to gather hardy pedallers to raise funds and spread the word about cervical screening.

The aim is to clock up an impressive 874 miles – the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats – in Middlesbrough on Wednesday, June 3 and anyone can join in for fun to do their bit!

Organised by Middlesbrough Environment City, the challenge – on static bikes – will take place in Captain Cook’s Square and is the latest phase in a campaign by Middlesbrough Public Health to improve the uptake of cervical screening in partnership with NHS England.

Volunteers will be putting in the miles between 6am and 10pm to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening. All funds raised will be donated to Jo’s Trust Cervical Screening Awareness charity.

Also in action at the event will be the MEC ‘Smoothie bike’ which uses pedal power to produce fruit smoothies to give out to donators and cyclists throughout the day.

Representatives from Middlesbrough Public Health will be in attendance to hand out screening information, chart the cyclists’ progress, keep them hydrated and collect donations.

The eye-catching initiative follows the launch earlier this month of a high-profile awareness-raising radio campaign spearheaded by former Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan.

Cervical screening already saves up to 4,500 lives a year but many women who are eligible for screening do not take up their invitation.

Edward Kunonga, Director of Public Health for Middlesbrough Council, said: “Cervical screening is a vital part of looking after your health – it’s quick and easy and can save lives.

“The cycling challenge is a great way to raise awareness and spread the word of the very real benefits this straightforward procedure has to offer.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge for all those taking part, but they’ll have the satisfaction of raising much needed funds for a great cause along the way.”

  • Any local groups or organisations who would like to take part in the cycling challenge should contact Hoda Jwad at MEC by email at Jwad@menvcity.org.uk or call 01642 243183 to reserve bikes for a one-hour slot.

By admin