The awareness-raising ride from Leamington Spa to Durham was joined in Middlesbrough by a number of local substance misuse workers and volunteers.
Le Tour De Recovery arrived at the town’s Riverside Stadium on Thursday, September 10, for an overnight stop on day four of the five-day and 280-mile ride.
Five members of staff and peer mentors from Middlesbrough Recovering Together joined from Darlington and a further five joined at the stadium to cycle to Charwood Community Health Hub in Thorntree where the group watched ‘Dear Albert’ – a film about recovery from addiction.
One of the team going not just the extra mile but the full 280 miles is Tanya Scott, Service Delivery Manager from Thirteen Care and Support, who is riding the full distance from Leamington Spa to Durham.
She said: “When I was made aware of the cycle ride from Coventry, I thought it would be a great idea to join it to promote recovery from substance misuse and also to highlight the good work being delivered through services like the Thirteen Group for people who struggle with alcohol and drug misuse.
“What makes this ride special is that there are some cyclists on the ride that themselves have struggled with drug or alcohol issues. They have not only battled their addiction, they are now cycling 300 miles, with others joining the ride from Darlington.”
Following the five-day ride the group who complete the distance will join the seventh Annual Recovery Walk in Durham.
Cllr Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Adult Health and Social Care, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Le Tour De Recovery riders into Middlesbrough and I’m pleased to see so many local staff and volunteers taking part.
“Addiction seriously affects people in Middlesbrough just as it does everywhere else in the country and only by raising awareness of the issues can we begin to help those who require assistance in our communities.”