This year’s Rotary Dorset Bike Ride in aid of Cancer Research UK is once again attracting a strong turnout of cyclists keen to support the fight to beat cancer.
Over the last seven years, this event has raised over £250,000 for Cancer Research UK. A glance through some of the entry forms brings home how deeply people have been affected by this terrible disease, and how keen they are to help spare others this pain. Comments include:
“I lost a friend to cancer over 12 years ago, another friend has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and my bother has been battling with cancer of the bladder.”
“I have ridden four times. Diagnosed with throat cancer, cycling has been a big part of my recovery. Although I am not getting any younger I like to do my part to help as big steps are being made with their research”.
“My wife died of breast cancer last October after 31 years together. I want to give something back to cancer research to honour her memory.”
The Rotary Dorset Bike Ride takes place on Sunday 8th September 2019, starting from Longthorns Campsite near Wareham.
With eight different routes to choose from, varying from 10 to 108 miles the event caters for families as well as the more experienced cyclist.
On-line registration currently costs £15 or £25, depending on the length of ride, with children free up to 35 miles and half price for longer routes. Registration fees are due to increase of £5/rider shortly, so register NOW to beat the increase. Car parking is free, plus there are free food stations around the route and free massages at the finish point.
Richard Burnett from Westbourne Rotary, organiser of the 2019 event said, “We are optimistic that we can raise around £50,000 again this year, thanks to the amazing support the event has build up over the years. We aim to cover all the costs of staging the event, so that as well as the sponsorship raised by the riders, the entire entry fee goes to Cancer Research UK. £15 buys a polyacrylamide gel to separate out the big bits and small bits of DNA to reveal vital clues about how to beat cancer sooner. £30 buys food to grow cells in the lab, allowing scientists to find out more than ever before about cancer.”
To register, go to: www.dorset-bike-ride.co.uk
This year’s sponsors include: Daily Echo, Dorset Echo, Longthorns Campsite, Actavo, Harvest Fine Foods, Dorset Flapjacks, Springfield Country Hotel, Masterdeck and Kimbers Carpets.
The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Westbourne (Charity No. 1111184)