Charity Focus
Live Ribble Valley takes a look at the many and varied charity projects that are taking place in towns and villages across the region
RIBBLE VALLEY RIDE
The Ribble Valley Ride is back for 2023, with three routes for all abilities starting in Clitheroe on Sunday 11th June. This year, the ride returns with an easy 25-mile route, a challenging 60-mile route and the classic 100-mile route taking in some of the best hill climbs in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
The last Ribble Valley Ride raised £5,800 for three charities, Rosemere Cancer Foundation, Prostate Cancer UK and Rotary Great Britain and Ireland and the organisers from Accrington and Clitheroe Rotary Clubs are hoping to increase the total this year.
The 25-mile Challenge route is a fabulous ride through idyllic Ribble Valley scenery, while the 60-mile Expert is a tough, hilly ride through the Trough of Bowland and upper Ribble Valley. The Elite route goes even further, taking the high road to the pretty town of Hawes before returning via the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct.
This year’s ride has received generous backing from a number of local sponsors, including Hanson Cement and Rufus Carr.
Chip timing and full classified results will be available to all riders, although the ride is absolutely non-competitive, and if cyclists wish to shorten their ride, they have ample opportunity to do so.
Event founder Bill Honeywell, from Clitheroe Rotary Club said: “Everyone is welcome to participate in the Ribble Valley Ride. It isn’t just for fitness enthusiasts and road racers – it’s a community ride raising important funds for local charities.
“We’re aiming to give all participants an excellent-value day out on the bike and we are keen to encourage a sense of camaraderie, where all riders feel they are supported and appreciated.”
All three routes will be signed and marshalled, with regular food and hydration stops along the way. Technical back-up is also available and food and drinks are included in the entry fees, which are: 25 miles: £20, 60 miles: £25, 100 miles: £30.
Organisers are also offering a discounted ‘family’ ticket to encourage active families to take part together.
To enter online and for more details go to: ribblevalleyride.org
‘MARATHON BOY’ AIMS TO RAISE £10K
A Ribble Valley man is tackling his first ever marathon in memory of his stepdad who sadly passed away from cancer. Klark Robinson-Carlin, from Balderstone, will take on the 26.2-mile Edinburgh Marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support. Marathon Boy (Klark’s family nickname) is aiming to raise £10,000 for the charity. The 29-year-old was motivated to run the marathon after his stepdad, Chris Taylor, passed away in September last year, and also in memory of his uncle Stewart, who passed away the month before.
Chris was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009, which he lived with for 13 years, while Stewart, passed away with pneumonia after dealing with other health issues.
So far, Klark has raised £4,471 towards his £10k target for Macmillan, a charity which helps support people affected by cancer.
Klark, who works for the family business founded by his stepdad, said: “I am running this marathon in memory of two amazing human beings – my stepdad Chris and my uncle Stewart who sadly died within a month of each other. They would both say that you should do it, not because it is easy, but because it is hard.”
Klark has been in training for several months and is being supported by fellow Lancashire lad, Callum Townsend, a firefighter who works with Lancashire Fire and Rescue, who is his running coach from Peak Performance Coaching.
To support Klark visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/klark-robinson-carlin2023
If you have any charity news please contact: jan.woolley@live-magazines.co.uk
