Blackpool officers in charity coast-to-coast cycle challenge
Thursday, 12 September, 2013
OFFICERS from Blackpool Police’s Immediate Response Team are gearing up for a 146-mile coast-to-coast charity bike ride in aid of their injured colleagues.
The team of seven officers will swap their police helmets for cycle helmets as they ride from Whitehaven on the west coast of England to Tynemouth on the east coast of England between Friday 13 July and Sunday 15 July, with overnight stops in Penrith and Carrs Farm.
Aided by two fellow officers in a support van stocked with spare wheels, puncture repairs and energy drinks, the officers aim to raise money for Lancashire Constabulary’s treatment centres.
PC Claire Van Deurs Goss, who is leading the ride, said: “Injuries can unfortunately be part of the job, and the centres have really helped many of us to get fighting fit again so we can return to our foot patrols and the job we love.
“I’ve previously done charity bikes to a number of European capital cities in the past in aid of breast cancer charities, and so, have been helping my colleagues with their training, which has been really enjoyable.
“This means we're all looking forward to spending even more quality time together, raising money for a great cause.”
Chief Superintendent Richard Bayly, the riders’ divisional commander, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the officers in my division for wanting to raise funds for the police’s treatment centres.
“Many of the officers doing the ride have been treated at the centres in the past, and it says a lot these officers are now using their free time to help the centres continue their fantastic workrehabilitating officers who have been injured in the line of duty."
To sponsor the team, please visit; www.justgiving.com/joanne-collinson
