By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 11:24, Wednesday, 19 September 2012

Fifty women are wanted to take part in a mass cross-country bike ride in aid of Hospice at Home.

The 140 mile trip begins in Whitehaven and crosses the county before heading down the Eden Valley for an overnight stop, then a climb up the Northern Pennines and across to Tynemouth.

The annual event is aimed at cyclists of all abilities and raised £93,000 for Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland over the past two years.

Charity campaigners are getting in early to raise awareness of next year’s event and said all participants would have to raise a set amount in sponsorship.

Fundraiser Julie Blundell said the Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge had become a firm favourite on their calendar of events.

“It is vital in raising money for the provision of nursing care,” she said.

“The challenge is open to women of over 18, giving the opportunity of a great three day break, to get fit, perhaps remember a loved one or to set an exciting personal challenge. Whatever reasons the reward will be a fantastic achievement and also importantly will help to raise funds for a vital local cause, importantly caring for local people.”

Cyclists can enter individually or as a group, either family, friends or work colleagues.

The event this year was open to men, following a women’s only one the year before, and included ITV Border presenter Tim Backshall.

He was among 32 cyclists to complete the route, in May, and said it had been absolutely fantastic with great camaraderie among all the cyclists.

He had not been on a bike in years until Hospice at Home asked him to do it.

He said: “I think they thought it might encourage a few more to come forward.

“I got myself a road bike at Christmas and since then I’ve clocked up about 1,000 miles in training.”

The charity needs to raise £9,500 a week to cover running costs.

For more information about next year’s challenge, in June, call the fundraising office on 01768 210719 or www.hospiceathome.co.uk Places are limited to 50 so early booking is recommended.

First published at 11:25, Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk