Ibstock friends take on mammoth cycle for Rainbows

Eight friends from Ibstock are taking on a 150 mile cycle in just one day to raise money for Rainbows.

On Thursday 30 June the cyclists will be taking to the roads to complete the 150 mile Coast to Coast challenge from Seascale to Whitby.

Not only will they be raising funds for us, Steve Clarke (48), John Newbold (53), James Gregory (53), Andy Smith (50), Simon Bindley (53), Darren Payne (53), Mark Jarvis (53) and Gareth Toyer (45) are completing the ride in memory of their friend Tony Bradbury. Tony died of heart problems in July 2019, at the age of 49

Team captain Steve Clarke said the guys have been training hard with 50 plus mile training sessions at the weekends, combined with spin classes and circuit training. He added: “We did a similar challenge last year and wanted to do another one this year in memory of Tony. He was our best mate; we all either went to school together or grew up together. It was devastating to lose someone before the age of 50.

“This also got us thinking about Rainbows and what those families have to go through and losses they face. We haven’t been to Rainbows before but every time we met up to talk about potential fundraising, it was always Rainbows that came up.

“It is going to be a really tough ride and there will be some really steep gradients along the way, especially the Hardknott Pass in Cumbria, which is considered one of the steepest hills in England.

“But we know we are raising money for such a fantastic cause and we are very grateful to everyone who has sponsored us for this challenge. Rainbows and Tony will spur us on.”

Gary Farnfield, Rainbows Community Fundraiser, added: “We would like to thank the team for taking on this incredible challenge for us, it sounds very demanding. Every penny they raise goes to help us brighten short lives at our hospice, in hospitals and at home. We are very grateful for their support and wish them all the best.”

To sponsor the team, visit www.justgiving.com/team/coasttocoastinaday