Women-only cycling event in Northumberland smashes participation record
A women-only charity cycling time trial in Northumberland on the evening of June 26 has sold out.
The Blaydon Cycle Club event, which will start and finish in Stamfordham, is being run in support of Newcastle Women's Aid – a charity that provides support to the female victims of domestic abuse.
Event organiser Neil Wilkinson said: “The response has been incredible. Locally, I think the record for female participation in a time trial is 27 riders and we’ve sold all the allowable 120 places months in advance.
“The focus now is on raising both awareness of, and cash for, Newcastle Women’s Aid.”
Club member Ali McLean is responsible for the fundraising side of the event and has welcomed support from far and wide.
He said: “We've had significant support towards the cost of running the event from Cycling Tynedale, as well as some amazing raffle prize donations from local and national businesses.
“I’m delighted that the value of those prizes now totals well over £1,200, but we will still warmly welcome more as we strive to hold the mother of all raffles. We’re determined to do our utmost to support what is an amazing and very sadly, necessary, charity.”
“It’s inspiring that so many women have come together to support Newcastle Women’s Aid,” added Elaine Langshaw – chief executive of Newcastle Women’s Aid.
“It's going to be an amazing occasion and will raise considerable awareness about domestic violence and abuse and the impacts it has on women, girls and children.”