Gruelling bike challenge raises thousands for Frome PAC

Story posted on June 5, 2013

SIX CYCLISTS have completed a bike ride from Frome to Land’s End within 24 hours, raising around Ј3,000 for the local charity Positive Action on Cancer. 

‘Team Wiggins’ was led by police officer Sgt Rachel Clark and her brother Matthew on the second anniversary of their mother’s death from leukaemia.

The team left Frome at 10.00am on Wednesday 29th May and cycled through the day and night to arrive at Land’s End in 21 hours, covering over 200 miles.

But although the team ended up with time to spare, the pressure was on during the ride to get there in time.

Rachel said, “It wasn’t supposed to be a leisurely jaunt, to raise money we wanted a challenge. It was touch and go for a while, but we managed to pick up speed when the traffic died down.

“The night block was in Cornwall, and you couldn’t see the layout of the road. I think we were very lucky with the weather until Cornwall, when at four or five in the morning there were showers with side winds, it was dark, and we were really really burnt out by then. That was the worst stage. As soon as we saw the sun rise, it was fine and by then we knew we were going to finish it.

“People are still giving. Once we’ve added all the gift aid I think we’ll be at £3,000.

“Thank you to the team, the support drivers, and everyone who supported us.”

Shirley Wiggins, who lived in Frome, died on 29th May 2011 after a short battle with leukaemia. She was well-known in the area as she worked as a primary school teacher for many years in Frome and Glastonbury until her retirement in 2005.

You can still sponsor the team by visiting uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Team Wiggins.