NEIGHBOURS from Detton, near Cleobury Mortimer, are cycling the route of the first stage of the Tour de France to raise money for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Ian Connolly, a member of Wyre Forest Cycle Race Club, will team up with his neighbour Richard Ayers and around 40 other people to ride the route, which starts in Leeds and ends in Harrogate, on July 12.
Mr Connolly said the reason for taking part in the challenge was that Mr Ayers’ six-year-old daughter Molly has suffered from Type 1 diabetes from the age of three and a half.
“Richard and his wife have done a lot of fundraising for JDRF and the foundation were organising a bike ride as part of the charity’s fundraising,” he said.
“We were discussing taking part and the next thing I know I was registered.
“I will be taking part in the whole 131 miles of the route, while Richard and his brother will be riding a shortened distance of 85 miles.”
The foundation holds a variety of events to raise money for children with diabetes. Type 1 diabetes affects more than 350,000 people in the UK, seven per cent of them children.
The duo have already raised more than £750 for the cause, putting them half way to reaching their overall target of £1,500.
Mr Connolly said even though the route was classed as a flat stage by Tour de France organisers, it would provide many challenges for the neighbours.
“Anyone who has been over the Yorkshire moors will know there is very little flat road to be found so the route will be demanding for us non-professionals,” he said.
To donate to the cause visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardandIan
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