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Photo credits: Carl Walker
(www.walker.gallery)
CYCLE THE 21ST WIRRAL BIKEATHON FOR
BLOODWISE AND HELP BEAT BLOOD CANCER
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 2019 they
would be planning the 21st 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.
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 Meols. The
second section goes from the park to Thornton Hough,
Storeton and Landican. There is musical entertainment
with hot and cold refreshments in Arrowe Park and light
refreshments at two check points on the route which is 28
miles in all but for those wanting a shorter ride a section of
only 14 miles is possible. Each participant gets a T-shirt and
a medal is presented at the end of the ride.
Ernie Macauley, Chair of Wirral and Merseyside Branch
said: "More than ever this year we are relying on your
support to help us reach our target of £1 million for the
charity Bloodwise. Since we started the event in 1999 you
have helped us raise the magnificent sum of £970,000.
The Wirral Bikeathon is a fun-filled family event, a ride not a
race, with all kinds of cycles taking part; including reclining
bikes, hand bikes, unicycles, a wheelchair and range of
tandems and trailer bikes. It will take place on Sunday 16
June, 9.30am - 11.30am, at Arrowe Country Park, Upton. The entrance fee for adults is £15.00 (£25.00 on the day) and
for those aged 15 & under it is £5.00 (£5.00 on the day).
Great local cycling legend, Chris Boardman, has been patron
and a huge supporter of the event over these many years
together with members of his family. The ride is a figure of Cyclists can sign up online or download an entry form at
www.wirralbikeathon.com
20 wirrallife.com
All those taking part on the day are entered in a draw to win
a Boardman Bike generously donated by Chris.