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Cyclists all set to use pedal power to raise charity cash
Team will ride almost 82 miles in a day
Six cyclists from Dunstable and Houghton Regis are gearing up for a sponsored marathon bike ride to raise money for a poignant cause.
The team will be cycling 81.9 miles from Ryka's Cafe at Box Hill, Surrey, to Dunstable town centre on September 11.
They hope more sponsors will come forward to help raise cash for Sands, a charity helping people affected by the death of babies in the womb and after birth.
Sands (Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Society) also promotes research to help reduce the number of babies who die each year.
The pedal power team includes Dunstablians Paul Hooker, 26, of Beale Street, who came up with the marathon idea, and Vicky Stone, 26, and Sally White, 20, both of Westfield Road.
Also joining in are Houghton Regis cyclists Ross Horwood, 27, and Neil Matthews, 26, both of Bedford Road, and Matthew Nash, 26, of Houghton Road.
Vicky, who is helping to organise the event, said that according to Sands, 17 babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth every day in the UK. Now the charity is raising awareness of what it calls a national tragedy, with a campaign called Why17?
She said: "Although I haven't been personally affected, it is something quite close to my heart. I can't imagine anything worse."
The team wants to thank Drivestyle Vans, of Dunstable, which is lending the cyclists a van free of charge to take the bikes to the start point for the marathon.
They are also thrilled the White Swan pub, High Street South, Dunstable, is hosting a charity night to boost their fundraising.
The pub is running a barbecue and providing music from a DJ at the fun night on September 17, starting at 8pm.
A percentage of the barbecue proceeds will go to the charity, and a raffle will also be held.
To find out more about Sands, visit www.uk-sands.org. The charity's helpline is 0207 436 5881.
If you can give a contribution, no matter how small, to support the cyclists, check out www.justgiving.com/bos2010.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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