Bikers riding 1,000 miles in "iron butt challenge" for Yeovil charity

A group of bikers will be riding over a thousand miles in the "iron butt challenge" to raise money for a local charity. Six members of Yeovil Freewheelers, a volunteer group that brings urgent medical supplies to hospitals from blood to breast milk, rode down to Land's End on Friday (June 6) before continuing onto to John O'Groats in Scotland to raise money for the cause.

Member Nigel Massey said: "As volunteers within the charity we collectively cover an average of 12,000 miles a month, so 1000 miles doesn't seem all that daunting".

The Yeovil Freewheelers supply vital items supplies to hospitals in Yeovil, Wincanton and Dorchester, including blood, MRIs, breast milk, important medical documents, X-Rays, and more. The group, which was founded in 1978, receives no government funding and relies on donations.

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The ride, which covers 1,018 miles, is known as "the iron butt challenge". The Yeovil Freewheelers are hoping to complete it in 24 hours or less.

Member Kris Knapton said: "I came up with the idea of doing a sponsored on behalf of the charity. Speaking with Steve about my idea at a bike meet, he mentioned the Iron Butt Saddle Sore and gave me some information on what it entails and was like, why not.

"Once word spread within the charity a few other said they would also be up to take it on, so we set a date."

The iron butt challenge begins tonight on Thursday, June 6. You can support the fundraiser online.