A group of cyclists have been so impressed by the work of Derian House that they are completing a 1,750 mile bike ride against the clock.
The six members of Preston Cycling Club will be cycling from John O’Groats to Lands End and back again in just 48 hours.
The cyclists hope to raise £10,000 for Derian House and the Brian Hospital in Blackpool.
Team member Tim berry said: “Back in October 2011, we did a sponsored bike ride from Springfields to Gretna Green and back in a day, a distance of 200 miles, raising £2,500. Then we cycled to Derian House and were really moved by what we saw, especially me as a father. That’s when we decided to do something bigger to raise more money, and came up with our latest idea.”
Each cyclist will cycle for an hour at a time, day and night, during the April 27th and 28th weekend. They will be followed by a minibus that will contain supplies and the other five cyclists.
Tim added: “It’s going to be difficult, but I’m confident we can do it. The record for someone doing this individually is 44 hours, so we aim to beat that. We’ve been really well supported by the supermarkets in the area, and also by the shoppers.
“It’s amazing how many people want to empty their purses when they know you’re doing something to help a children’s hospice.”
Watts chartered accountants in Preston has also raised £1,264 for the charity.
Fundraising co-ordinator at the firm, Victoria Deane, said: “We raised money on a weekly basis with a ‘dress down’ or ‘non-uniform’ Friday, held a hamper raffle and placed a collection box on reception. Most of the money, though, came from the efforts of Mark Croasdale, Mark Tunstall and Richard Carter, three colleagues who bravely agreed to a sponsored leg wax in October.”