Disabled charity worker takes on mammoth night cycle
A charity worker from Gloucester who has cerebral palsy will raise money for disabled people by taking on the tough Nightrider Bristol cycling challenge.
Jennie Goodrum, 28, will join thousands of other hopeful cyclists braving the night-time ride on Saturday 6 July. She will be raising funds for disability charity Leonard Cheshire. The charity runs the Gloucestershire Wheels for All, the inclusive cycling project that inspired Jennie to get pedalling.
Jennie said:
‘I’ve always enjoyed keeping healthy but to maintain the level of fitness you have is another story altogether. I was looking for an activity that I could not only do on my own but also enjoy as a form of exercise!
‘I remember cycling as a child and I felt as free as a bird, so I’m delighted to be back in the saddle and taking on Nightrider.’
Jennie works at local charities Inclusion Gloucestershire and Active Impact, and loves rock climbing, public speaking and cycling. She will complete Nightrider Bristol 2019 on a bespoke-built hand cycle from specialist providers Tomcat UK.
Jennie will tackle the 25km route as part of the Gloucestershire Wheels for All team including the project leader, MaryClare Faulkner, and Sue Willis, a resident at Leonard Cheshire’s Gloucestershire House care home in Cheltenham.
MaryClare and Gloucestershire House physiotherapist Piers Baker are among several Leonard Cheshire staff taking part and many will continue on the longer 50km or 100km routes for non-disabled riders. They have seen first-hand the benefits of Leonard Cheshire’s outdoor inclusive cycling schemes for local disabled people.
MaryClare said:
‘Cycling gives the people we support the chance to take part in a great activity alongside their friends and family. It’s really inclusive, and it’s a chance to get exercise while having fun.’
Piers said:
‘People I work with absolutely love to experience the thrill of cycling and the rush of the air in the great outdoors.
‘Whether there is sunshine, rain or frost, these guys turn out. Whether it’s a day in the forest or on the track, it’s great to see faces beaming with enjoyment.’
To sponsor Jennie Goodrum, go to justgiving.com/jennie-goodrum1. To sponsor MaryClare Faulkner, go to justgiving.com/maryclare-faulkner. To sponsor Piers Baker, go to justgiving.com/piers-baker.
Media enquiries
For additional information and photos, contact Nick Bishop in Leonard Cheshire’s external communications team on 01202 747100 or 07889 976267 or email nick.bishop@leonardcheshire.org. Out of hours press office mobile: 07903 949 388
Gloucestershire Wheels for All
Find out more about Leonard Cheshire’s outdoor inclusive cycling project.
Nightrider Bristol
Nightrider Bristol is a fun, non-timed cycling event through the streets of Bristol taking place on Saturday 6 - Sunday 7 July 2019.
Non-disabled riders have two routes: 50km and 100km.
Leonard Cheshire and Nightrider have worked together to provide a new 25km route for disabled riders.