Back in the saddle for Di!

EIGHTEEN months after a cycling accident and a hip replacement, Frome local, Di Dudden, is back in the saddle and cycling the length of Great Britain for charity! 

68-year-old Di set off from Land’s End on 5th September and is on target to reach John o’ Groats next week, on 5th October – in total, she and her bike will cover almost 1,000 miles. 

She had set herself a fundraising target of £500 for Parkinson’s UK – but is now well on her way to trebling her target, having raised nearly £1,400. 

Following her on her challenge – which is mainly using quiet roads, cycle paths and tow paths – is her support crew of one, husband Geoff, who is driving to each stop in the couple’s motorhome. 

“This is going to be a huge challenge for me!” said Di before setting off from Land’s End. “I am 68 and have been a regular cyclist for a number of years, but have never attempted anything like this before.  

“Only 18 months ago I was recovering from an emergency hip replacement after a cycling accident, but was determined to get back on my bike again as soon as possible.  

“I have broken the journey down into 28 sections of varying length, with a day off every eighth day. My husband (and chief mechanic!) will be driving our motorhome between stops but I will be cycling alone, covering close to 1,000 miles in all. 

“Parkinson’s UK was an obvious choice of charity as my brother and my husband’s sister both live with Parkinson’s. 

“Every hour, two people in the UK are told they have Parkinson’s. One in 350 adults in the UK have Parkinson’s. It is a progressive brain condition, which means it gets worse over time. There are lots of different treatments and therapies to help manage the symptoms, but at present there is no cure.” 

To support Di and donate to Parkinson’s UK, visit the website: www.-justgiving.com/fundraising/didudden