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Riders of all abilities took to the leafy lanes of Sussex on Sunday, 12 June, to join Davina McCall and raise much-needed funds for sick and disabled babies and children.
Some 450 cyclists, including skating legend Jayne Torvill, braved the rain for Davina’s Big Sussex Bike Ride which is expected to raise more than £30,000.
This was the sixth year the popular TV presenter and fitness queen has hosted the cycling event in aid of Horsham-based children’s charity Action Medical Research, a cause she has supported since she was a child.
“I always love doing this ride - it's such a fun, friendly day out but it's also in aid of a fantastic cause which I grew up with so it's very close to my heart,” says Davina, who rode the Champion 68-mile route.
“If you didn't join us this year, I think you should sign up straight away for 2017! It's great to have something to train for to keep you fit and also you're helping to fund research into some rare and debilitating conditions.”
For more than 60 years Action Medical Research has helped pioneer treatments and ways to prevent disease that have benefited millions of people in the UK and across the world. Research they’ve funded has helped to beat polio in the UK, develop ultrasound in pregnancy, fight meningitis and prevent stillbirths.
Action Medical Research is currently funding research into meningitis, Down syndrome, epilepsy and premature birth, as well as some rare and distressing conditions that severely affect children.
This year Action Medical Research opened up the ride to supporters of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity, as it celebrates working in partnership with the charity to jointly fund over £2m of research.
The event began against the beautiful backdrop of East Sussex National Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa at Little Horsted near Uckfield with cyclists covering three routes: the Cool 21-mile route, the more challenging Classic at 40 miles and the Champion 68-mile option for experienced riders. Cyclists were able to take in the stunning Sussex scenery including Glynde, Laughton, Hellingly, Herstmonceux and Battle.
Paula Ray, Action Medical Research's Community Fundraising Manager for the region, added: “We're delighted that so many people braved the rain to take part on Sunday - the wet weather certainly didn't dampen anyone's spirits! Everyone who took part had a great day from the moment they were waved off by Davina at the start and we're on our way to raising at least £30,000 to help develop more new treatments and cures for sick babies and children.”
This event is part of the charity’s popular RIDE100 series of one-day bike rides that take place in fantastic cycling locations across the UK. All include chip timing, food and water stations, marshals and mechanics.
For more information on Davina’s Big Sussex Bike Ride and Action’s other cycling events, please visit action.org.uk/events/cycling
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For high-res images of Davina at the bike ride, please click on the links below (please credit Lee Collier Photography):
https://www.action.org.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/press/davina_-_approved_for_press_use_3.jpg
https://www.action.org.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/press/davina_-_approved_for_press_use_4.jpg
With Jayne Torvill:
https://www.action.org.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/press/davina_-_approved_for_press_use_1.jpg
On the road:
https://www.action.org.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/press/davina_-_approved_for_press_use_2.jpg
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For more information on Action Medical Research, please contact Ellie Evans, Fundraising Communications Officer, on:
T 01403 327480
Follow us on Twitter at @actionmedres and @amr_events
Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/actionmedres
Follow us at pinterest/actionmedres
Action Medical Research is a leading UK-wide charity saving and changing children’s lives through medical research. For more than 60 years we’ve helped pioneer ways to prevent disease and develop treatments benefiting millions of people. Our research has helped to beat polio in the UK, develop ultrasound, fight meningitis and prevent stillbirths. But we urgently need to develop more new treatments and cures for sick babies and children and we can’t do it without you.
Join our fight for little lives today.
Charity reg. nos 208701 and SC039284.
About Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity:
Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals with the broadest range of dedicated, children’s healthcare specialists under one roof in the UK. The hospital’s pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children from across the UK with the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions. Our patients and families are central to everything we do – from the moment they come through the door and for as long as they need us.
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity needs to raise money to support the hospital to give children who need help the most the best chance for life. The charity funds research into pioneering new treatments for children, provides the latest medical equipment and supports the essential redevelopment of the hospital. You can help us to provide world class care for our patients and families. For more information visit www.gosh.org