200-mile ride for Vincents’ Natalie with Blackpool Carers Centre
Legal assistant pledges to raise at least £1300 for local charity
How long does it take to travel the 200 miles from Blackpool to Edinburgh? A couple of hours by train, four in the car… or around three days when you’re on a bike. And what better way to make the journey than as part of a 16-strong fundraising team on a charity bike ride for the Blackpool Carers Centre from July 20-22.
Despite the anticipated exhaustion and discomfort, Vincents legal assistant Natalie Swift is looking forward to taking part in the charity’s fourth annual bike ride – which will be from Blackpool to Edinburgh – alongside volunteers and members of the Business Breakfast Networking group which meets at the carers’ Beaverbrooks House HQ in Newton Drive.
Natalie had originally planned to complete the ride with colleague Nicole Chrisham, with whom she works in Vincents’ Lytham residential property team, but Nicole has had to pull out after breaking her arm.
Natalie said: “It’s definitely daunting but I am really looking forward to challenging myself and enjoying that euphoric feeling when we reach the end. I’m out on the bike most nights and am hoping to get at least one 60-mile training ride under my belt before we go, but I’m no pro cyclist and I’m sure I’ll be absolutely exhausted after the three days.
“It’s a shame Nicole can no longer come, we were really looking forward to doing it together, but it never crossed my mind to drop out. Through the networking group we’ve learned what an amazing charity Blackpool Carers is and how it helps so many families in the local area, and I want to do what I can to support that important work.”
Following a big send off from everyone at Beaverbrook House, the team will chalk up 78 miles on their first day and finish in Penrith for the night, via an early stop at Wallings ice cream in Cockerham. On the second day they will head off cross country for 60 miles to Beattock, and then onto Edinburgh on the third day completing the final 71 miles.
Chapeau Events will provide logistics support, refreshments and roadside assistance for the cyclists during the three-day challenge.
Natalie’s £1,300 fundraising target will provide a substantial donation to the charity and cover her costs for the challenge. The money will be used to provide respite activities for the carers which gives them valuable time away from their caring role. The charity provides specialist support, respite and outings for 12,000 unpaid carers in the local area age from just five years old.
Terry Hodkinson, Head of Business Development and Fundraising, will join the team for her third long distance ride. She said: “We help carers to create friendships, feel less isolated, strengthen their resilience, and make happy memories. All those things which so many of us take for granted but which are hard to achieve when you are caring for a loved one.
“We are so grateful for everyone who is raising money for us by taking part in the bike ride. I’m so impressed with Natalie who is absolutely determined to complete the challenge despite her cycling partner having to sit this one out, I can promise she’ll still have a fantastic time with us, the camaraderie and sense of achievement by the end is amazing.”
The charity makes sure 94p in every pound raised goes directly to helping carers, with only 6p per pound being spend in admin and overheads. For more information about the Blackpool Carers Centre please visit: https://blackpoolcarers.org
To contact Natalie Swift or any member of the Vincents Solicitors team please visit www.vincentssolicitors.co.uk call 01253 773 377 or email enquiries@vslaw.co.uk
To make a donation to Natalie and the Blackpool Carers Centre please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/natalie-swift-1683055009414
ENDS
Pictured: Natalie Swift, legal assistant at Vincents Solicitors in Lytham, who is taking part in this week’s Blackpool to Edinburgh bike ride for the Blackpool Carers Centre.