Nantwich friends Elizabeth Hickson and Margaret Callwood have smashed their fundraising target after a London to Bruges cycling marathon.
The long-term friends undertook the challenge to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.
Together they hoped to raise £4,000 but so far they’ve made more than £7,000 – and money is still rolling in via their JustGiving page.
Elizabeth, owner of Essence beauty salons in Nantwich and Sandbach, and Margaret who runs Maylands Pantry catering business, spent months in training.
The pair, calling themselves ‘The Farmers Wives’ on their JustGiving page, have known each other since their teens in Young Farmers and both still live on farms in Nantwich.
The gym buddies, who trained at Studio 121 in Nantwich, travelled by train to London before cycling to Harwich ferry port.
From the hook of Holland they rode to Vlissingen across the peninsulas and islands of Zeeland before arriving on their fourth day in Bruges.
In total they covered a gruelling 180 miles.
It was tough going for both and more so for Elizabeth who only took up cycling in the pandemic and suffered shoulder problems in the weeks leading up to the effort.
Margaret, a seasoned cyclist, offered encouragement along the way.
Elizabeth said: “It was worth every minute. Such a wonderful experience.
“I enjoyed meeting people from all over the UK and have made some new friends.
“Friendship and team work is what made the whole event worthwhile and of course it was all in the name of a good cause.”
She came back with a lasting impression on attitudes towards cyclists.
“The cycle paths in the Netherlands and Belgium are fantastic. Cyclists get priority over cars which made me think perhaps the UK could take this great idea and encourage more people to cycle and keep healthy.”
The pair, both in their 60s, were supported by family and friends and clients of their businesses.
Elizabeth added: “We aimed to raise £2000 each and we’re thrilled to have reached £7000 and it’s still climbing, thanks to kind support.
“Big thanks to everyone and to Richard Adams at Studio 121. Richard has been great at getting us fit with his strength building programme along with our relentless training.”
Staff at the Welsh Row beauty salon had a surprise in store for Elizabeth on her return – they dressed the window with a full sized bike and ‘well done’ cards displaying their fundraising total.
Anyone who would like to contribute is asked to go to their JustGiving page ‘The Farmers Wives’ or call in at Essence on Welsh Row, Nantwich.
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