Cycling For Charity
Cycling 220 miles, climbing 10,000 ft, requires fitness and determination, but it was all in aid of charity Ambitious About Autism
On 2nd September, Hayley Jones and John Gore, along with around 150 others set about cycling from Manchester Velodrome to Lee Valley Velopark in London. This equated to a total of 220 miles and more than 10,000ft of climbing. For those cyclists amongst you I am sure you will appreciate this this is a tough challenge to undertake in one day.
Hayley, from Whittle le Woods, Chorley and John signed up to the event in January 2018, with what seemed like a lengthy period through the summer months to train. However, best laid plans rarely transpire, it would seem. With two very close family losses and a change of career for Hayley, all in a four-month period, the training soon became a struggle to fit in with the regularity required. With only around a month to go on one training ride Hayley was involved in a cycling accident which saw her without her bike for the four weeks leading up to the event whilst the carbon frame was fixed.
With everything apparently stacking against them, the day approached, and Hayley and John cycled away from Manchester Velodrome as planned soon after 06.30am, in what was luckily a sunny and still morning. The day in the saddle was very long and tough and real teamwork was needed to get through it when at times spirits were low.
The camaraderie was essential to making a success of the challenge. At just after midnight, over 15 cycling hours later, Hayley and John saw the lights of the big city and soon after arrived at the Velopark, exhausted but proud of the achievement and money raised. With over £1300 already raised for Ambitious About Autism the pain was definitely worth the gain!
Hayley said: “This year has been a big one so far for us, with huge personal challenges and as the year had progressed, it has become apparent that there are times in life when everyone needs support. My new business venture has a key focus on sports and fitness. I see daily dedication and determination at its best for people to reach their goals. What better way for me to really feel what my clients feel than to undertake a huge challenge of my own in aid of a great charity for those who need a helping hand.”
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. It’s a spectrum condition and whilst all autistic people share certain difficulties, being autistic will affect them in different ways.
Ambitious About Autism is the national charity for children and young people with autism. They enable children with autism to learn, thrive and achieve. Their ambition is to make the ordinary possible for more children and young people with autism.
For those who wish to donate the just giving website is: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hayley-jones65
