The family of Lisa Wells, the local cancer campaigner who died last year, have teamed up with Frome’s firefighters to organise a 200-mile charity cycle ride to France.
The team of 10 cyclists will cycle to Frome’s twin town, Château-Gontier, in April, raising money for Lisa’s Army UK – the charity set up by Lisa following her diagnosis of stage 4 bowel cancer in 2017 – and the Fire Fighters Charity
Taking part in the challenge alongside six local firefighters, will be Lisa’s father Tim Wells, her brother Stuart Wells and Stuart’s girlfriend, Phoebe Nicolaou.
After cycling 80 miles from Frome to Portsmouth, the team will catch the overnight ferry to France, before attempting to cycle the remaining 120 miles to Château-Gontier in less than a day.
Supporting the cyclists will be Lisa’s mother, Deanna Wells, who will be travelling behind them by car.
Speaking to Frome Times, Deanna said, “My husband Tim came up with the bright idea with Steve George, a local fireman. It’s going to be hard for them! My husband cycled 60 miles the other day, and the next morning I thought he was going to collapse out of bed!
“When they arrive in Château-Gontier, they will meet up with the firefighters stationed there, who will also put us up for the night with their families. The ride also coincides with the 45th anniversary of Frome Fire Station’s twinning with the Château-Gontier Fire Station.
“Before the team leave on Tuesday 28th April, we want to get the community involved in the challenge – especially getting a crowd to wave them off. There will be some fundraising events in the run up to them leaving, including a charity car wash and a coffee morning hosted by me. Any support people can offer will be really appreciated.”
About the family’s work to continue the Lisa’s Army UK charity in her daughter’s memory, Deanna said, “Lisa’s aim was to help others in her situation. So that’s what we want to do, help anyone in that situation. For example, if someone is going through chemo and has lost their hair, we could help them get a wig; or if they haven’t got a camera and they want to take pictures of their family, we could give them a camera; or it could be helping to send someone on a ‘experience day’ like a speed car racing day.
“That’s what we want to raise money for – to help local people and give them back a smile every now and then when they are going through something as horrendous as cancer.
“There are so many people going through it, it’s just incredible and really sad. If we can do something little for them that gives them back some normality for a few hours, it could make a difference to them and what they are going through.”
To support the team and donate to the two charities, visit the website: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/deanna-wells
For more information about Lisa’s Army UK and upcoming fundraising events, visit: www.facebook.com/LisasArmyUK
The team leave for France on Tuesday 28th April from the Frome Fire Station. The community is welcome to come and wish them luck before they leave at 9.30am.
