Mel and Nic cycle Coast to Coast fundraising for The Ellen MacArthur Trust
It's my 40th birthday in May, and I wanted to celebrate in style - what better way than to attempt cycling from one side of England to the other? We're starting at Whitehaven, in Cumbria and finishing, three days later in Sunderland, near Newcastle. We have to do about 50 miles per day, which is more than either of us have done in one go, let alone for three consecutive days.
We chose The Ellen MacArthur Trust because we realise what a difference going sailing can make. Nic and I have both sailed from an early age and Nic now works in the profession. We've both had such fun messing around in boats, with plenty of adventures along the way. Sailing has the capacity to clear the mind of all other troubles, whilst you focus on the tasks in hand. It is mentally and physically stimulating, challenging and character-building, not to mention addictive! Everyone should have the chance to experience it. Most of us take our good health for granted; it must be truly awful to have your life dominated by sickness, especially as a child.
So, if we can just raise some money to help a child have a chance to experience sailing, help them to regain their confidence in themselves, take their mind off their health problems and give them a break, then we shall be so pleased.
The Coast to Coast route starts in the former coal mining and industrial lands of West Cumbria, travels through the stunning scenery of the northern Lake District and heading into Keswick before passing through Penrith and the Eden Valley. It then starts the climb up to Hartside and onto the unspoilt Northern Pennines. There then follows an undulating ride through old lead mining villages, such as Nenthead and Rookhope, and down into the Durham Dales before entering the old steel town of Consett. From here it is apparently an easy ride through one of Britain’s old industrial heartlands to the North Sea and Sunderland.
With three young children, it's been hard to get in the training miles, but Nic has started commuting to work on his bike on a regular basis and I try to take the children on a tandem with trailer behind, to school, 9 miles away, but I only manage that about once a week! Otherwise we take in turns to spin the pedals in the evenings.
So, we have our industrial thickness cycle shorts packed and are leaving on the 6th May!
To raise money for The Ellen MacArthur Trust by sponsoring Mel and Nic please click here.
The Ellen MacArthur Trust wishes you both good luck in your fundraising journey!!
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