EIGHT hardy cyclists are planning to pedal from York to Paris this spring to raise funds for York Against Cancer as the charity celebrates its 30th birthday.
The York Pedallers, a group of like-minded men who met through the Round Table about 30 years ago, are set to take part in the tough five-day ride between May 18 and 22.
The cyclists have already raised many thousands for good causes, with York Against Cancer gaining about £86,000 from their efforts on two bike rides between Land’s End and John O Groats.
The eight - David Mooney, Mike Nicholas, YAC’s former Chairman Patrick Shepherd, David Dickson, Stephen Loynes, Tim Wilson (not pictured), Graham Kennedy and Rex Parry - will depart from York Minster on May 18.
They will cycle to Hull, take a North Sea ferry across the North Sea and then get back into the saddle once the boat docks on the Continent.
The total cycling distance between York and Paris is 370 miles and the sea crossing another 232, making a total of 602 miles, and the riders plan to mark their arrival at the Eiffel Tower on May 22 with a rousing rendition of ‘I would YAC 500 miles’ -their take on the Proclaimers’ hit song, 500 miles.
“We like to have a theme,” said David Mooney.
“This one appealed to us because when you add in the miles from the sailing, we will have done well over 500!”
The Pedallers want to raise at least £14,000 through the ride to take their total contribution to York Against Cancer to more than £100,000.
The charity’s general manager, Julie Russell, said the cash would be a welcome boost to its anniversary appeal fund - aimed at getting a mobile chemotherapy unit - off to a flying start when it takes to the road later this year.
“We’d love as many people as possible to support The Pedallers on this fantastic challenge,” she said.
A spokeswoman said the £700,000 mobile unit, which will bring chemo treatment closer to patients in outlying areas, will go into service in the summer.
“Its launch will be a highlight of the charity’s 30th anniversary year.”
Supporters can sponsor The Pedallers in their quest by going to their JustGiving site, https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/YorkPedallers1
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here