The third Alzheimer’s 100 charity cycling event will be staged in and around Nantwich this June.
The annual fundraiser is held in support of the Alzheimer’s Society, the organisation that is leading the fight against dementia.
Darren Greatbanks, a British Transport policeman from Crewe, lost his father to the illness in 2014.
Since then he has worked tirelessly and cycled hundreds of miles raising money for dementia care and research.
The ALZ100 event was established in 2014, when Darren and close friend Andy Williams joined more than 60 other riders to raise £21,000 through raffles and sponsorship.
Numbers increased to 230 cyclists in 2015, and organisers hope to see all 250 sponsorship places taken for this year’s fundraiser on Sunday June 12.
Darren (pictured, below) said: “How the event has grown has been incredible!
“My dad would have loved seeing so many riders taking part, and that’s one of the driving forces that keeps me motivated.
“He introduced me to bikes and he would have liked to tackle the course himself.
“We’re on track to top a fantastic total of £100,000 raised over three years, and that doesn’t include the Gift Aid donations.
“The money is essential to keep searching for a cure or a way of slowing the onset of the dementia illness.”
Riders will set out from Nantwich War Memorial in the town centre.
They will tackle distances of 25, 55 and 100 miles long, depending on age and ability.
The 25-mile circuit suits casual riders, families and U17s.
It loops around Nantwich, taking in the villages of Audlem, Bridgemere, Wrinehill, Wybunbury, Shavington and Willaston.
More experienced riders choosing the 55-mile route will also cycle through Chorley, Malpas and Wrenbury.
The challenging 100-mile option is the 55-mile route to Hack Green before heading back out to complete the route in reverse.
Spectators and supporters are encouraged to wave to riders, but organisers have emphasised the need to watch from a safe place.
“With 250 riders taking part it should be quite a spectacle this year,” said Darren.
“It really encourages the riders seeing supporters along the route, and it helps to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s.
“But please keep a safe distance from the cycles and listen to advice from the marshals.”
The Alzheimer’s 100 cycle rides are backed by Blue Bell Mini, Williams Cycles in Crewe, Delmar Print, and the White Horse pub in Nantwich.
On the Sunday evening, the White Horse will host a post-cycle party that includes an auction and a live performance by Electro 80s, the UK’s premier electronica tribute band.
Further details can be found on the ALZ100 website where people can sign up or donate via Just Giving.
Recent Comments