Fabulous fun at second Big Charity Bike Ride!

Riders of all ages came together to take part in the second St Catherine’s Hospice Big Charity Bike – and helped raise more than £24,000 to fund the hospice’s specialised care.

Around 350 riders took part in the event, which featured either a 20-mile circuit of the Preston Guild Wheel or a 50-mile ride through the Fylde and Wyre Valley.

Among them was Dan Jackson, who dressed up as Superman for the challenge!

Dan, who completed the 50-mile route with his girlfriend and two friends, said: “I do something for charity every year and when I saw this I thought it looked like fun!

“I’ll be honest I didn’t do too much training – but my super powers got me round! It was hard work, but I really enjoyed it.”

Nikolaj Susnik from Walmer Bride was taking part for the second year running – and has also completed several Manchester to Blackpool rides to support St Catherine’s.

“I love cycling,” Nicolaj,who is originally from Slovenia, said. “Last year’s event was brilliant – I knew I wanted to be involved again.”

St Catherine’s Day Therapy nurse Marie Farrier took part in the 50-mile ride with two friends.

She said: “We wanted to show our support and it’s also great practice for a ride from London to Paris we are doing in July.”

Lindsay Sails and her nine-year-old daughter Jessica had travelled all the way from Hexham in Northumberland to take part in memory of Jessica’s Grandma Stella. Also joining in the fun was Lindsay’s Dad John Higham and brother-in-law Martin Buggy, as well as sister-in-law Amanda Sail and her daughter Alison, 11.

Jessica, who had been out training in all weathers for the 20-mile ride and raised a brilliant £150 in sponsorship, said: “I wanted to do something for the place which looked after Grandma.”Lindsay added: “The care she received was second to none – we wanted to do something to give something back.”Archbishop Temple School pupil Michael Calvey, aged 13, took part with his Dad and a family friend. He said: “I’ve recently got into road cycling and this seemed like a good event, which was in aid of a great cause.”Anthony and Joanne Jenkins, who run Mini’s Playcentre who kindly sponsored the event, also took part with colleague Lucy Clark.Anthony said: “St Catherine’s is our chosen charity for the year – we’re really keen to support the amazing work which goes on there.”

Teams from Napthens, Leyland Packaging, The Hall Players amateur dramatics society and Abbey MTB also took part.Stuart Dobson was cheered over the finish line by Mum Catherine – who used to work as a health care assistant at the hospice. She had even made a Well Done sign to greet him!Stuart’s challenge was all the more impressive given that he broke his toe just a few days before the event! He said: “There was no way I was backing out! I have raised over £300 in sponsorship and I beat my time from last year by seven minutes so I’m really pleased.”Dennis Poole from Lostock Hall celebrated his birthday with the bike ride – taking on the 50-mile challenge on the morning he turned 61!

Dennis, whose eight-month-old granddaughter Emilia was there to cheer him on, said: “It’s been a wonderful way to mark my birthday – and I think a fillet steak and bottle of red are well-deserved now!”Many riders were taking part in memory of loved ones who had been touched by the care of St Catherine’s.Nick Passenger took part for the second year in tribute to his father-in-law, while Neil McLean rode for his Mum Mary who was cared for at St Catherine’s back in 2000.

He was cheered on by sons Jake, eight months and Nathaniel, six, nephew Callum and partner Vicki – who had all had special T-shirts made for the occasion!Neil, from Penwortham, said: “We always try and support St Catherine’s as much as we can – and as I’m quite a keen cyclist this is the perfect way to do it. I’ve done Manchester to Blackpool for six years now, and this was my second Big Charity Bike Ride. They’re always great events.”

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