A TEAM of men have cycled 170 miles coast-to-coast to fund a breast cancer support group in York.

Greg Hayward, Steve Shepherd and Graham Morris covered the distance from Morecambe to Bridlington in just one day to raise almost £1,800 for Breast Friends.

Zoe Bounds, 37, and friend Rachel Bruce, 46, set up Breast Friends after both going through treatment for breast cancer.

They wanted to create a supportive network of York women with a breast cancer diagnosis; an idea which has proved to be in demand as they now have some 35 members in the York area and 90 online followers.

The money raised will pay for monthly meetings at the Pig & Pastry, in Bishopthorpe Road and Me & Mrs Fisher in Lord Mayor’s Walk, so no-one feels unable to attend due to finances.

Zoe said: “It’s all towards making sure everyone can come regardless of financial difficulties and their situation. 

“Money can be a problem as a lot of people have to halve their income. Little things like going out for a coffee when you are trying to feed your children can be a struggle.”

She said everyone had expressed their gratitude at the support given. “People were amazed three guys wanted to do that for us.

“Considering most people do it in three or four days for them to do it in a day for us was was very moving and we felt quite honoured and special.”

Zoe, who has completed her cancer treatment, but is still awaiting an operation, was a support driver for the team. She hopes to be able to complete the same ride next year over three or four days.

As well as having members who attend meetings, Breast Friends also has 90 online support group followers

The cycle ride organiser Greg Hayward – who met Zoe when she took part in a specialised exercise class he was running for the council – was joined by friends Steve Shepherd and Graham Morris, the group will be holding a ball at Manor School on October 3. Tickets will be on sale soon. 

For more information visit http://yorkbreastfriends.org/