Two men will be cycling to every Whitchurch in the UK to raise money to tackle a devastating condition.
Grant Valentine, 28 and Den Leonard, 54, will be cycling to every Whitchurch in the UK in memory of Grant’s late grandmother, Alice Darlington, who sadly died from Motor Neurone Disease.
This challenge cycling to all the towns called Whitchurch in the UK, seeing them travel approximately 800 miles in 11 days.
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“She sadly passed away after a battle with Motor Neurone Disease,” said Grant. “We remember her being so loving, kind-hearted and that person you could go to with any problem. She was the matriarch of our family and is dearly, dearly missed.
“People will remember her as a lollipop lady and caretaker at the Whitchurch Infant school. She was very proud to provide a service for the community. She would help anyone in need.”
The idea for the challenge was brought up by Den who has also known people affected by the condition.
“Den enjoys cycling and specifically wanted to raised money for Motor Neurone disease,” said Grant. “We discovered that we both knew of people that had developed Motor Neurone Disease.”
This has proven quite the challenge for Grant who admits he was a “total novice” to long distance cycling before this.
“I began cycling this year, spending most of my leisure time before this on the golf course, said Grant. “I bought a bike in December and have been training hard ever since with regular spin classes at the local Hill Valley Gym and trying to build stamina cycling over 100 miles every week with two friends Mark and Gav.
“Fair dos to them, they really set the pace which keeps me going - especially on the hills.”
The pair will be raising funds for the two charities dedicated to tackling the disease the MND Association and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
To help with their fundraising you can donate to them here or here
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