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Wimborne prepares for anniversary bike ride
6 August 2009
Every summer hundreds of cyclists take to the picturesque country lanes of Dorset to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. There are many organised cycling events that take place at this time of year, but one that stands out is the Wimborne Bike Ride, a sponsored cycle that raises thousands of pounds each year for the Meningitis Trust.
Malcolm and June Hurley, from Wimborne, along with a dedicated group of friends, organise the ride annually to raise money for the Trust - a charity close to their hearts, after their nephew Andrew Coyle, lost his life to the disease in 1987, aged three. The event has raised over £72,000 since 1988, and last year over 200 cyclists from across the south took part. This year will be the 20th event and looks set to be the best yet, with cyclists gathering at the Barley Mow Inn in Colehill at 10am on Sunday, September 13 to take part.
Malcolm says: “The Wimborne Bike Ride is an event for all the family, no matter what their age or ability, with a choice of two circular routes – 9 or 23 miles - along quiet scenic country lanes. The ride is, as always, followed by a delicious barbeque, charity raffle and live music from the Pantastick Steel Band. We want people to come along, enjoy themselves, and hopefully raise a lot of money for the Meningitis Trust in the process.”
Entry is FREE, but participants are encouraged to raise money through sponsorship or by giving a donation to the Trust. If you would like to take part in this fantastic event, registration forms and more information are available by calling Malcolm Hurley on 01202 882466, or David Light at the Meningitis Trust on 0845 120 4766, email davidl@meningitis-trust.org
All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Meningitis Trust; helping people who are coping with the after-effects of meningitis. The charity is dedicated to helping rebuild lives shattered by meningitis. Its range of support services offer families and individuals a lifeline at a time when they need it most. However, with no government funding, the Trust relies on voluntary donations to continue its work.
More than 20,000 people are helped by the Meningitis Trust each year through a 24-hour helpline (0800 028 1828), counselling, home visits, one-to-one contact and community support. The Trust also gives away more than £140,000 every year in financial support grants and distributes millions of leaflets, posters, symptoms cards, information sheets and other materials which raise awareness of meningitis.
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