A TEAM of cyclists are preparing to pedal 110 miles around the Worcestershire and Gloucestershire countryside in just two days in a bid to raise cash for specialist dementia nurses.
The group – who have dubbed themselves the Mid-Life Cyclists – are taking on the challenge in aid of Dementia UK.
The cash will be used to fund Worcestershire Health and Care Trust’s team of Admiral Nurses – registered mental health professionals who specialise in dementia and provide practical and emotional support for their carers.
The team of six riders and two support drivers will set off from Badsey, near Evesham, on Saturday, August 22, travelling through Tewkesbury, Newent and Cinderford in Gloucestershire before spending the night camping in Lydney in the Forest of Dean.
The following day the group, who all work at the Farncombe Estate in Broadway, will make their way home through Gloucester, Tewkesbury and back into Worcestershire.
Team member Jeremy Palmer said this was the third year in a row the team had taken on a fundraising cycle.
“This year we have chosen to donate the money we raise to the Admiral Nurses in Worcestershire,” he said. “I saw them on an ITV documentary and saw how invaluable their support is to people.
“They do so much good work across the county and we wanted to do our bit to help enable them to continue that.
“We’ve been out most weekends cycling to prepare ourselves and we’ve been doing about 30 miles a day so I’m confident we’ll be able to manage the 110 miles over two days, especially with all of our past experience.
“We’ll be cycling for roughly 10 hours overall – six on Saturday and then four on Sunday.”
Community fundraising manager at Dementia UK Sarah Austin said: “A huge thank you to the brilliant Mid-Life Cyclists for taking on this epic challenge for the Admiral Nurses in Worcestershire.
“The money raised will help the Admiral Nurses continue providing specialist support and advice to families affected by dementia.
“We wish the Mid-Life Cyclists all the very best for the weekend and fingers crossed for good weather.”
To sponsor the team visit justgiving.com/mid-lifecyclists.
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