Southwell bikers charity test

The Bleasby Bikers will ride a fixed cycle in relays at the Real Clothing store in Southwell from noon on 9th May.

They aim to finish the 425 miles – the distance from Land’s End to the Nottinghamshire village of Bleasby – by 12 noon the following day.

School children will be supporting the ‘425 in 24’ through bucket collections for the Bleasby School and the two other chosen charities, Prostate Cancer UK and The Children’s Society.

The brave bikers will then take on the gruelling challenge for real starting on 25th June.

The four-day event, named ‘From the Bottom Up’,will be the longest to date since the group formed in 2011 and is due to raise £20,000.

Organiser Richard Ford said: “We are extremely grateful to Real Clothing for supporting us again this year.

“Both events, 425 in 24 and From the Bottom Up, are huge challenges for the team but we are determined to complete them together.

“As well as Prostate Cancer UK and The Children’s Society, we are raising funds for Bleasby Primary School, which is where this all started three years ago.

“It has become an annual event which never fails to capture the imagination and passion of Bleasby and the surrounding villages.

“In previous years, the post-ride parties have attracted more than 300 people – and we expect this year’s on the Glebe Field to be the biggest yet when it welcomes home the riders on June 28.”

Real Clothing store owner Rupert Adams said he was delighted to be backing the venture.

He said: “We are incredibly proud and excited to be supporting the Bleasby Bikers and showcasing all of the exciting new summer clothing ranges.

“We want as many to turn up as possible to view the new range and, at the same time, watch the bikers try and complete 425 miles in 24 hours. It will be really exciting to see if the bikers will be able to finish the 425 miles on the static bikes onn time .”

Mark Bishop, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re thrilled that Richard and the team of cyclists have decided to organise this challenge to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. It is with support like this that we can help provide dedicated support and information to men and their families affected by prostate cancer and fund research to help fight the disease.”

“With over 40,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the UK and one man dying every hour, it is our aim to help more men survive the disease and enjoy a better quality of life. We wish Richard and the team every success with their challenge.”

A celebration will be held on the Glebe Field in Bleasby to welcome the saddle sore riders home on 28th June 28th (estimated time of arrival is 6pm).

For anyone who wants to support the event and donate to the charities please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/bleasbybiker .