LOCAL woman, Louise Oliver, will be cycling the mammoth journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats this week to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of her grandmother.
Louise will cycle almost 1,000 miles in 11 days the length of the country on her own, although she will be supported by family and friends along the way.
Louise will be doing the ride in memory of her grandmother, whose favourite places to visit were Scotland and Cornwall.
“My nan suffered with dementia during the last years of her life, so for me it was a really easy decision to do such an epic challenge for the charity Alzheimer’s Society,” said Louise.
“So many of my childhood memories included great times spent at my nan’s, and her favourite holiday destinations were Cornwall and Scotland. She would laugh her head off if she heard what I was doing! But, she would make me her incredible pancakes to get me going and ask me to bring her back a pasty and some Scottish salmon.”
Louise has been in training for seven months, but is no stranger to a challenge.
“I’ve always had a bike, and even had a Raleigh racing bike as a kid. I really got into cycling when I started triathlons in 2008, which proved to be a slippery slope. I started with a Sprint triathlon and this led to an Olympic, Half-Ironman and then finally Ironman Wales in 2011. The Ironman (3.6 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26 mile run) is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I literally took both my body and mind to the edge. It was an amazing experience, and really made me believe you can do anything if you are willing to put the work in. So what challenge can top an Ironman? Land’s End to John O’Groats of course!
“I have done a huge amount of preparation for this, as it’s equally as challenging physically and mentally for me. Thinking about cycling almost 1,000 miles on my own is really quite scary, so it’s important to break it into stages and treat each stage like any other cycle.
“Although I am doing the cycling on my own, I am sure I’ll meet other cyclists on the journey, and I’ll always have my family waiting for me at the campsite, so I’ll never really be on my own. It’s been a long training plan and I’m now really looking forward to getting started.”
Louise had aimed to raise £500 for the charity but has already passed that amount.
“I have been overwhelmed with the support I have received. Everyone is so incredibly generous. I think dementia and Alzheimer’s touches so many people’s lives, and if what we contribute can help in any way to find a cure, then it’s an investment for everyone’s future.”
Although Louise will be cycling the majority of the ride on her own, friends will be joining her along the way for support.
“I will definitely look forward to the few days that I have someone to cycle with, and also seeing the friends who are coming out to support me. This support is so important to me, as I will definitely be in pain, and it will keep me positive and turning those pedals!”
To sponsor Louise and donate to the Alzheimer’s Society, visit www.just giving.com/fundraising/ lou-mick.