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Credit: Carl Walker Photography www.walker.gallery
CHRIS BOARDMAN BACKS
THE WIRRAL BIKEATHON 2017
In 1999, seven people planned the first ever Wirral
Bikeathon to raise funds for research into the treatment
of blood cancers. Little did they know that in 2017 they
would be planning the 19th event. And little did they
know how great an impact this fun-filled family cycling
event would have on the local community and how much
support it would gain in the intervening years.
On 13 April 1999 there were only 13 confirmed riders booked
to take part in the ride. The organisers were not deterred
and continued planning! On the day itself, 12 June 1999,
around 700 riders took part and raised an amazing £23,000 in
sponsorship for the charity, which was then called “Leukaemia
and Lymphoma Research”. They came from all over the Wirral,
Merseyside, North Wales and the North West too.
Recently “Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research” became
“Bloodwise” and took on a wider role of supporting patients
with these blood cancers and similar illnesses like myeloma in
addition to continuing to fund research. So far the Bikeathon
has raised over £880,000 for the charity and with the help,
commitment and generosity of all its supporters in the cycling
community the current organisers (including some who have
been with it from the start) are hoping to reach the magnificent
£1,000,000 mark in the next two years.
This annual event is a ride not a race so it is a great day out for
families. Cyclists of all ages (from 8 upwards) can take part.
The route is a figure of eight loop around the Wirral with start,
midpoint and finish in Arrowe Country Park. It takes in north
Wirral through Caldy and the Wirral Way to West Kirby and
Moreton. The second section goes from the Park to Thornton
10 wirrallife.com
Hough, Storeton and Landican. The full route is 28 miles in all
but for those wanting a shorter ride a section of only 14 miles,
starting and ending in the Park is possible. Some riders have
become regulars because they enjoy it so much and know they
are contributing to a good cause. They come along on all sorts
of cycles – reclining bikes, hand bikes, unicycles, a wheelchair
and range of tandems and trailer bikes. There is musical
entertainment in the park and hot and cold refreshments
are available too. Light refreshments are also available at
checkpoints on the route.
The 2017 Bikeathon will be very similar to previous years and
will again feature a “selfie station” in the start/finish area at
Arrowe Park. This was very popular on social media last year
due to the help of local Olympic Gold Medallist and cycling
legend Chris Boardman who we could describe as “the face that
launched a 1000 riders”.
Chris has been the patron and a huge supporter of the
Bikeathon over these many years together with members of his
family. Chris said: "Since the Wirral Bikeathon started 19 years
ago we have raised £880,000 towards beating blood cancer. We
are making a really big push for the Bikeathon in 2017, and next
year, and aiming to get across the £1million mark for funds
raised for Bloodwise, the leading blood cancer charity. It's a
great family event so do come along and support us."
This year the Bikeathon will take place on Sunday 11th June
2017 with start times between 09:30 and 11:30 am. Online
registration is now open at www.wirralbikeathon.com and costs
£15 for adults and £5 for those aged 15 and under. All riders
receive a Wirral Bikeathon t-shirt and a medal for crossing the
finishing line.