A PAIR of lawyers from Stratford are swapping the legal bar for crossbars as they take on a mammoth three-day charity cycle ride.
Mike Wakeling and Alastair Frew, from the town’s branch of Lodders, are attempting a 185-mile bike ride in July. The gruelling challenge will take place over three days from Friday July 8 to Sunday July 10, journeying from York to Warwick, to bank cash for local children’s charity Molly Ollys.
Rachel Ollerenshaw and her husband, Tim, set up Molly Ollys not long after their daughter, Molly, died from a rare kidney cancer.
The charity, which has its 10th anniversary this year, emotionally supports babies and children up to 18 who have life-threatening illnesses, and their families, to help with their emotional wellbeing.
And Lodders’ serial fundraising duo are no strangers to long-distance charity bike rides – Mr Wakeling and Mr Frew were part of Lodders’ cycling team that completed a 310-mile London to Paris ride in 2019 that raised over £7,000 for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.
Mr Wakeling told the Observer choosing Molly Ollys Bike Ride as their latest fundraising cycling challenge was an easy decision.
He continued: “The charity is very dear to me. Molly was at school with my son Ben, and I know her parents Tim and Rachel well. It was devastating when Molly was diagnosed aged just three with a Wilms tumour, and despite a long and brave five-year fight, she died in 2011. When I heard about the York to Warwick Bike Ride that is part of the charity’s events in this its 10th anniversary year, I knew I wanted to take part and help raise funds to support Molly Olly and its team to continue their amazing work.”
Mr Wakeling and Mr Frew will join 60 other riders for the fundraising bike ride.
Mr Wakeling added: “The ride’s scenic route avoids all the main roads, and I am looking forward to cycling through what is some of the country’s most beautiful countryside in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Warwickshire. I am delighted to be doing something that will raise money for such a great charity – but I must admit, I will be relieved once we have day one and its 3,500 foot climb under our belts (or saddle).”
To support Mr Wakeling and Mr Frew with their fundraising for Molly Ollys, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/molly-ollys-lodders
