A team of Darlington cyclists aim to cover more than 1,000 miles on a marathon bike ride to raise cash for COVID-19 affected charities.
Seventeen Darlington Rotarians and friends will be sponsored to cycle a socially distanced marathon circuit – 26.2 miles – around Darlington some time during the weekend of June 19th to 21st.
They will all cycle individually at a time to suit them so they adhere to social distancing rules, and will take pictures to show they completed the route.
Senior Vice President of Darlington Rotary, Nigel Little, who is organising the event said: “We have completed a sponsored ride every year for the past seven years and have so far raised more than £50,000 for mainly local charities.
Darlington cyclists aim to cover more than 1,000 miles on a marathon bike ride to raise cash for COVID-19 affected charities.
“In April this year the team was due to tackle a sponsored cycle to Mulheim in Germany where we have a sister Rotary club, but clearly that has fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.’
Nigel said all cyclists will complete at least one marathon circuit, but some more experienced riders will do 100 miles or more. It is expected the total mileage will be up to 1,400 miles.
He added: “We would like to raise at least £1,000. Most of the money will be spent locally to help organisations, groups and individuals who have been badly affected by the crisis.”
Darlington Rotary has already donated more than £6,500 to local causes since the pandemic began, including amounts to St Teresa’s Hospice, the Samaritans, Age UK Darlington, Darlington Memorial Hospital, the King’s foodbank, the 500 club and Daisy Chain in Darlington and Family Help.
We would like to raise at least £1,000. Most of the money will be spent locally to help organisations, groups and individuals who have been badly affected by the crisis.”
President of Darlington Rotary, Sue Campbell, said: “Rotary is there to help as many people as we can and we are finding new ways of raising money to enable us to do that.
“The cycle ride to Mulheim has been postponed until next April, but that doesn’t mean our team can’t get on their bikes and raise some much needed cash nearer home.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor the team can do so by going to via the Virgin money giving page.
