YOUNG couple, Izzy Book and Ben Eley, are taking on a 300-mile cycle ride next year from London to Paris to raise money for two charities, Melanoma UK and Burning Nights.
the couple are taking on the cycle challenge in memory of Ben’s granddad, who died of melanoma when Ben was young, and to support Izzy, after her diagnosis of chronic pain syndrome. Despite the diagnosis, Izzy is determined to continue raising money for charity, as she has taken part in events every year since she was nine.
Ben regularly completes in 10-mile time trials with Frome District Wheelers and also takes part in national events. Izzy and Ben need to raise £4,000 in order to take part in the ride.
Izzy said, “We are only just beginning our training and I think we’re both still quite unsure of the magnitude of this event! Our main focus at the moment is to get control of my chronic pain syndrome so that I won’t be in pain during our training – so currently it’s just a lot of organising and therapy.
“I have had the condition for 18 months, but have only recently been diagnosed. It causes a lot of leg weakness, pain and cramps in both legs and feet and a painful coccyx. It’s meant I’ve had to invest in a specialized saddle.
“We have decided to do the ride on the tandem so that if my legs are bad, Ben can take over the cycling – there’s no way I could do the whole cycle on my own bike, so it’s a bonus that Ben is the muscle machine powering us on the front!”
To raise the money needed they are putting on a quiz night and raffle at Frome RFC on Friday 19th October which starts at 7.30pm, registration from 7pm. Teams are a maximum of 6 people and £5 per person. Tables will need to be pre-booked by either emailing izzy book25@gmail.com or calling 01373 472544.
If you cannot make the event but would still like to donate towards their challenge, you can visit their fundraising page at www.mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/pedaltoparis
