Norden group go cycle loopy for children's charity

Gearing up for the Lancashire Loop Cycle Challenge (from left to right) Andrew Marsh, Barry Johnson, Marcia Daubney, Anthony Busittl, Dave Wright and David Howarth.

A group of parents from Norden have cycled a combined 450 miles across Lancashire to raise more than £1,300 for a children’s charity.

The cyclists; Dave Wright, Andrew Marsh, Barry Johnson, Anthony Busittl, Mark McBurnie, Tim Maxwell, David Howarth, Adrian Dixon and Marcia Daubney, took part in the Lancashire Loop Cycle Challenge in aid of MedEquip4Kids.

The team are all friends through many of their children attending St Michael’s Primary School and they joined more than 200 cyclists on the Lancashire Loop, tackling 18 miles, 50 miles or 100 miles circular routes through the Forest of Bowland, Ribble Valley and Lune Valley.

Marcia Daubney said: “It’s been hard work but well worth it. It was the first time I have done it and I might do it again next year – but with a little more training!”

Money raised in sponsorship for the event will be used by MedEquip4Kids to provide specialist paediatric medical equipment for children’s wards and neo-natal units at hospitals across the North West.

The charity has recently spent just under £30,000 for the Children’s Unit at Rochdale Infirmary providing syringe pumps, oxygen saturation monitors and parents beds, which allow parents to sleep next to their child during an overnight stay.

MedEquip4Kids’ community fundraiser for Rochdale, Rachel Allen, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part in the Lancashire Loop and thank them for the training and fundraising they have gone through in the lead-up to the event. Their support will allow us to continue our vital work and help ensure children and babies receive the best possible care when sick or injured.”