Heels on wheels!

Pictured: Members of the Heels on Wheels team presenting their £8,000 cheque to cancer charity representatives

A group of intrepid women netted a cool £8,000 for cancer charities including ourselves with a strenuous three-day coast-to-coast bike ride.

Workmates at City of York Council were joined by friends and relatives to form the Heels on Wheels team that tackled the 170-mile ride from Morecambe to Bridlington.

The women, including Leanne O’Leary, Elly Treanor, Kerry Southby, Lisa Soper, Sarah Jackson, Sarah Vollans, Anna Fairley, Louise Fairley, Annette Marshall, Louise O’Leary and Vikki Lyle, were of all ages and fitness levels.  “Some of us didn’t even own a bike when the idea was first thought of!” said Elly.

She said they wanted to take on the ride to raise money for cancer charities ‘as we have all been touched by cancer in some way.’

The team braved hills, wind, rain and hail as they cycled through the Yorkshire Dales. One cyclist took a minor tumble but they all completed the challenge, buoyed by support from family and friends.

Sarah Jackson said: “It was harder than childbirth (without any pain relief) but it was worth the pain. It was the best challenge I have ever done and I really want to do it again!”

Leanne O’Leary said: “Putting aside the faller, the broken bike, thigh burn, knee problems, the wind, rain and the hills, it was an amazing experience!”

Heels on Wheels’ takings were boosted through a fundraising day at The Fox, Holgate Road, which was a great success, with people buying raffle tickets and food from the barbecue. 

The charities benefiting from the riders’ efforts are ourselves, St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds, St Leonards Hospice in York and Macmillan Cancer Support. The £8,000 raised has been divided equally between the charities.