Stalybridge couple set their sights on coast-to-coast tandem bike ride to raise funds for St Ann’s
Megan and Mark Whittaker are taking on a coast-to-coast challenge in tandem to raise money for Team St Ann’s. The couple will attempt to cycle from Seascale in Cumbria to Whitby in North Yorkshire in just one day.
The challenge was inspired by Megan’s nanna, Gertrude who was cared for at St Ann’s Hospice in 2015 and her step-grandmother, Annie who was supported by the hospice in 2007.
The couple are no strangers to taking on a challenge on their tandem bike, named Trudie after Megan’s Nanna, having cycled from Manchester to Blackpool in 2017, taken part in the Cheshire Cat Sportive in 2018 and completing the Manchester 100 mile bike ride in 2019.
This challenge is to thank everyone at the hospice for their love, support and care they provided for our two amazing grandparents, who we loved dearly. We’ll be cycling 150 miles with an ascent of around 4,500 metres in around 14 hours. We’ll set off in the mountainous west of the Lake District and head through the Yorkshire Dales. From there, we travel along the Vale of York into the North Yorkshire Moors and finish up by the sea in Whitby. It is without doubt the hardest thing we have ever done. Megan Whittaker
Once the couple have completed their ride and taken a well-deserved rest day, they will get back in the saddle and cycle the reverse journey from Whitby to Seascale.
In addition to their coast-to-coast challenge, Mark and Megan will also be taking on the 2022 Tour De Manc on Sunday 1st May to raise further funds for St Ann’s Hospice.
The Tour De Manc is a great way for cyclists to enjoy an amazing atmosphere and take in the sights of Greater Manchester. The event offers riders a variety of distances to suit all abilities including; Quarter Manc (50km route), Half Manc (100km route), Classic Full Manc (100 mile route) and Mad Manc (200km route). It will not come as a surprise that the Whittakers have opted for the Mad Manc route covering 200km (124 miles), climbing to an elevation of 10,000ft and travelling through all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester.
Standard price tickets for the Tour De Manc are £38. However, those who register their interest with us will be provided with a special discount code.
To sponsor Megan and Mark on their coast-to-coast challenge visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tandemc2c2c
Have they inspired you to take part in a bike challenge for St Ann's?
Sign up for a discounted place on the 2022 Tour De Manc click the link below.
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