Every day, 8 people in Bedfordshire hear the devastating news that they have cancer and 4, sadly, succumb to the illness. Between 2010 and 2030, Macmillan Cancer Support estimate that the Bedfordshire population living with cancer will more than double, filling Luton Town’s football stadium nearly four times over.
These shocking statistics are behind a siren call to the ladies of Bedfordshire to get on their bikes on Saturday June 20th and help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support by taking part in Macmillan Cycletta, the women-only cycling challenge.
Emily Ford, Regional Challenge Events Programme Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support explained why their support is so important: “Last year Macmillan Cancer Support invested £640,684 in Macmillan services in Bedfordshire and we have 55 Macmillan professionals who work in local clinical environments and the community across the county. But, with growing demand on our services, we need to be able to support many, many more.
“Events like Macmillan Cycletta create opportunities for individuals to challenge themselves personally and to fundraise for the charity, helping us raise vital funds that will support people at their greatest time of need.”
Places are still available for the event which is one of five similar events taking place across the UK. Open to women of all ages and abilities and includes different distances ranging from 20km to 70km to ensure that cycling participation is accessible for women regardless of their experience and abilities.
For the younger cycling enthusiasts, all events in the Macmillan Cycletta series include a Scootathlon taking place on the same day. The Scootathlon is a mini fun triathlon for children between the ages of 4 and 8 where they scoot, bike and run.
Last year, more women than ever before took to two wheels to participate in the cycling series which was launched to encourage women of all ages and abilities to get on their bike. Almost five thousand women across the UK took part in Macmillan Cycletta last year, many of them choosing to raise vital funds for Official Charity Partner, Macmillan Cancer Support in the process.
Gillian Daly, Senior PR Manager at Macmillan Cycletta commented: “The Bedfordshire event is always fantastic, with more and more ladies signing up to take part each year and many of them choosing to fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Support. Their commitment to helping others is part of the ethos of Macmillan Cycletta, which creates a supportive and friendly environment for ladies participating in the event.”
Each Macmillan Cycletta takes place in stunning surroundings, on safe well-managed roads and with loads of fun for all the family. Ladies are encouraged to bring the whole clan along to cheer them on.
The Macmillan Cycletta website offers a host of information on training, race day advice and bike maintenance. There is also an active Twitter account (@cycletta) and www.facebook.com/cycletta resources to encourage participants to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments.
Macmillan Cycletta is part of the Human Race Women Only series which includes triathlon, swimming, running and cycling events. To book your place visit: www.cycletta.co.uk
