Over 100 women plan to cycle to raise money for a special caravan charity
106 women have signed up to take part in the annual On Yer Bike bicycle ride in the hope to raise money for the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation.
The ride, which will cover 150 miles in total, will travel through Portsmouth, Havart, Chichester and Brighton and will start this Friday (19 June), finishing off on Saturday (20 June) at the HMS Sultan Summer Show in a welcome ceremony for all particpants.
The Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation was set up following the tragic loss of Dave Waterman and wife Lorraine’s son, Oakley, to Rhabdomysarcoma – a rare form of cancer – at the age of six.
Oakley was first diagnosed with Rhabdomysarcoma in 2002 following the discovery of a tumor in his pelvis. The brave young kid went through extensive treatment therapy, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but unfortunately the tumor returned in 2005 and it was found to be inoperable.
The ride was set up by Gemma Glenton, who has worked for the charity for the past four years, and is aiming to raise £40,000 which will be used to buy a new caravan that will allow families with sick children to have a much-deserved holiday.
The ride, which has gained the support from the British Cycling Association, was a huge success last year, raising £20,000. This year looks set to be no different, with over 100 riders signing up for the ride within 24 hours of completing the previous ride last year.
Mr Waterman spoke of the support received so far, saying “The community – as well as people across the country who are now part of Oak’s Army – are getting behind us and it’s given us the drive to keep carrying on.”
To find out how you can help, visit the official Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation website here.
