GALLERY: Cycling fundraisers wheel in over £100,000

Monday 14 October 2019

A major cycle challenge that took riders across four European countries in just four days has raised more than £100,000 to support stroke survivors.

48 cyclists - including islanders who had suffered strokes and their friends and families - took part in the London to Amsterdam ride, which has so far generated £102,000 for the Stroke Association.

But the charity says that more donations are pouring in every day, following the 350-mile trial, which saw cyclists set off from Blackheath in London on 18 September.

Pictured: Nicole and Tracy O'Regan, Fundraising and Operations Manager for the Stroke Association, at the Jersey Marathon.

After making their way through the countryside of rural England before the Channel, the group cycled across the north of France to get to Belgium, before arriving in Bruges, followed by Breda and finishing in Amsterdam.

Among the participants were primary school teacher Nicole Le Mière, who suffered a stroke aged just 29 that left her with no feeling down her left side, and her brother Jacques.

Meanwhile, brothers Paul Yates and Alan Jr cycled in memory of their father Alan, who passed away in February, 13 years after suffering a stroke. They were joined by friends Wayne Spanswick and Dave Page and flew their 'Team Alan Yates Snr' flag from London to Amsterdam. 

Pictured: From left, Paul Yates, Wayne Spanswick, Alan Jnr and Dave Page.

Bike mechanic Danny Smith started on the 350-mile ride 10 years after he was meant to embark on a cycle around the world. Danny had to put his plans on hold to help support his mum after she had a stroke at the age of 49 and decided to do the ride to mark her upcoming 60th birthday.

Former Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel was also among the riders. The London to Amsterdam ride was his third charity cycle of the year, after the 100 mile Vélo Birmingham and Midlands event and the Prudential RideLondon which he took part in to raise funds for Les Amis and Headway Jersey respectively.

Tracy O’Regan, Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association in Jersey, said the money raised by the ride would fund "vital research and support for stroke survivors, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke".