A team of North East charity cyclists are calling on people in the region to ride 300 miles to help fight cancer.
Cycle 300 is an exciting new fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK where men and women can choose how, when and where to clock up 300 miles on a bike in September.
Alan Dodd, from Chopwell started raising money for Cancer Research UK and Willow Burn Hospice in honour of his two best friends who both died from cancer. He’s just signed up to take part in Cycle 300.
Alan’s first charity ride was 60 miles and he raised £2,100 for charity. Then he gained support from Kevin, David, Michael, Irving, Marco and Glynn who started training with him. Since then they’ve raised over £7,000 by completing three long-distance bike rides in three years.
Alan said “We’ve gone from a group of lads having a pint in the pub to a cycle team raising money for charity. “
He’s keen to show how taking part in Cycle 300, and raising money to fund Cancer Research UK’s work, can make a crucial difference to people who are diagnosed with the disease.
Alan said: “I’ve lost two best friends to cancer and it’s devastating. We want to do our bit and raise funds in their memory. We train regularly from March onwards increasing the frequency and distance as the event approaches and pay for the digs and travel from our own pockets, so that every penny we raise goes to charity. “
The team will take part in another challenge next year; in the meantime, they’re calling for anyone interested in cycling to join Cycle 300 to help raise money for life-saving research. Cycle 300 is a great fundraising challenge because you can choose how, when and where to do it, so that it fits in with your commitments.”
Cycle 300 is the perfect opportunity to combine all the benefits of cycling, the thrill of a physical challenge and the fantastic sense of achievement raising money for a great cause.
Cycle 300 is totally flexible. Participants are asked to cycle 300 miles, in September, to raise money for Cancer Research UK but can choose their own routes and pace.
There are many ways to hit the 300-mile mark. Commuters can to notch up ten miles a day on their cycle to work. Weekend enthusiasts can plan epic 75-mile routes through rolling countryside, while gym bunnies can step up the spin classes to hit their target.
Jaelithe Leigh-Brown, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North East, said: “We are very grateful to Alan and his friends for their support. They’re such an inspiration and we hope their enthusiasm sparks the interest of cyclists in the region of all ages and abilities.
“The region has some great cycling tracks. I remember cycling along the Derwent Walk for fun when I was younger! You can sign up to Cycle 300 on your own or make it more social by challenging family, friends and colleagues to join you. It’s a fantastic opportunity to commit to a healthy challenge now, so you have something to aim for in September.”
Taking on Cycle 300 is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of cycling and keeping active. As well as helping to build fitness and burn excess calories, cycling regularly encourages a healthier heart, can improve mood, and can also protect against a range of diseases – including cancer.
Depending on weight and effort, participants could burn roughly between 400 to 750 calories per hour of cycling.
Jaelithe continued: “One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Research is very expensive and the only way we can afford to fund it is with the help of our supporters. By taking part in Cycle 300, men and women can make a real difference in the fight against the disease.
“Everyone who participates in Cycle 300 will be supporting the efforts of doctors, nurses and scientists working on the front line against cancer.”
To sign up now for a free fundraising pack visit www.cruk.org/cycle300