FIREFIGHTER and Cherries fan Karen Adams, who is organising an around the world in eight days cancer charity cycle event, is desperate for more volunteers to saddle up for the cause.
Karen, who endeared herself to our readers after we recounted her successful battle against breast cancer and subsequent return to frontline duties, was thrilled to place the ball on the centre spot ahead of Cherries’ recent League One victory against Bristol Rovers.
She was invited by the club in a bid to raise awareness of her upcoming challenge, which takes place over eight days from the end of this month and raises money for Dorset Cancer Centre, Breast Cancer Care and Cancer Research.
However, Karen, who was Dorset’s first operational firefighter, needs riders to step forward urgently.
“Basically, I’m short of cyclists,” she said. “People are promising but not signing up.”
She’s even signed up the help of actress, comedienne and Poole resident Debra Stevenson, who has agreed to officially open the charity attempt.
Debra, star of Bad Girls and Coronation Street, told the Daily Echo: “This is such a terrible disease I want everyone to do what they can for this great cause.
“I’ll be getting on a bike – I’ve already been firming up the muscles with rides along the prom.”
The event, at the East Dorset Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Parkstone, Poole, will involve riders covering 24,906 miles on 10 static bikes, 24 hours-a-day for eight days.
Karen is personally aiming to cycle 671 miles, the equivalent of Bournemouth to Barcelona.
“In order to do it quite simply, without people having to cycle too far, I need about 500 cyclists. At the moment I have around 100.
“Riders can complete a minimum of 15 minutes, so they can be of any standard. You don’t have to be a serious cyclist.
“Initially I wanted volunteers to get individual sponsorship but now this isn’t necessary. People just need to register to take part and we can work out joint sponsorship.”
The event runs from May 28 until June 4.
To register to take part in the bike ride, visit aroundtheworldin8days.co.uk
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