Manchester’s cyclists are being encouraged to raise money for Diabetes UK by taking part in the Prudential Ride London-Surrey100 challenge.
The race, now in its second year, will take place on Sunday August 10 and passes London’s most iconic sights including Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye and The Mall as well as up the notoriously tough Box Hill.
And the charity is hoping that those who already have a place in the event but who are yet to pick a charity decide to do it for Diabetes UK.
Lynsey Thompson, Diabetes UK National Events Manager, said: “Every penny raised in events like the Ride100 really does help us make life better for people with diabetes.
“Just £100 could cover the cost of keeping our Careline open for half an hour.
“This provides vital information for anyone who has a question about diabetes and is a lifeline for anyone who is confused, upset or angry after a diabetes diagnosis.”
Cyclists will be raising money to help provide information and support to local people with diabetes as well as increasing awareness for those undiagnosed.
“We campaign for better treatment and care for people with diabetes, as well as funding life-changing research into care, treatment and prevention,” added Ms Thompson.
Across the North West there are over 458,000 people diagnosed with diabetes, as well as around a further 82,000 people who have Type 2 diabetes but don’t know it.
The condition can lead to devastating complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and amputation if not managed carefully.
The event, the Prudential Ride London-Surrey100, was created to celebrate the legacy for cycling following the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and last year saw more than 16,000 cyclists take part.
Starting in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, cyclists will traverse a 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey’s countryside, before winding back into London and finishing on The Mall.
The route is a modified version of the one that the world’s best cyclists faced at the London 2012 Olympics.
Ms Thompson said: “Cycling 100 miles is a very big challenge, and we are so grateful to anybody who chooses to ride for Diabetes UK.
“We’ll be there on the day cheering on all the riders, and I can’t wait to meet our supporters who make our work possible.”
Cyclists racing with the Diabetes UK team will receive a branded cycling jersey complete with personalised lettering, crazy hair, fundraising toolkit, online support, training tips and post event cool down party complete with massage therapists.
If you would like to cycle for Diabetes UK, then contact the Events Fundraising team on 0207 424 1867 or email [email protected]
Image courtesy of bigblokeonabike, via Youtube, with thanks
