From Rome to Stockton: Cyclists complete 'epic and exhilarating' challenge for Cancer Research UK
Teesside cyclists have completed an epic challenge, to ride from Rome to Stockton, to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
Led by Martin Flynn, 59, the team of 30 family members and friends set off from the Colosseum in Rome on Saturday, August 31 and arrived home on Sunday, September 22, ending at the Stockton Arms Hotel.
Over the 23-day ride, they covered 1,240 miles, traversed five countries and climbed heights of up to 8,000ft in the Swiss Alps. The cyclists varied in ability and age, with the youngest being 19-years-old and the most senior 64.
Among the group, five members took part in the full challenge, while others joined up at different sections of the ride, all pushing their limits for the cause. Along the way the group has been raising money for Cancer Research UK, a cause that is close to all of the riders, but in particular two of the younger members who have had their own cancer diagnosis and been successfully treated for the disease.
The remarkable bike ride, which aimed to increase awareness and raise essential funds for the charity, was supported by Last Mile Logistics and Enterprise Car Hire (Stockton). Throughout the journey, a support van and driver ensured their safety and comfort and Last Mile Logistics were able to provide transport assistance.
Martin Flynn, who organised the challenge, said: “It's been epic, exhilarating and very tough, but worth every moment that we put into it! It was absolutely fantastic!
“We would like to thank our support teams for their incredible help. Without them this challenge wouldn’t have been possible.
"A special thank you to Maison Thompson who was our support driver along the route and brought us safely to home sweet home in Stockton-on-Tees. It has been a remarkable journey, that we will talk about for years and we have raised a great amount of money to help beat cancer.”
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North East, Lisa Millett, said: “Together, we are beating cancer. Advances are all thanks to fundraisers like Martin and the team, who have shown extraordinary dedication to raising money.
“Cancer survival in the UK has doubled in the last 50 years. But we can’t stop there. Whether people take on an epic challenge like Rome to Home or hold a bake sale everyone can help bring us closer to a world where everybody can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
The group has so far raised around £16,400 for Cancer Research UK. To make a donation visit here.
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