Sponsored 100 Kilometre Tandem Ride in August

Bill Wright and Val Hignett, both of Formby Rotary Club, wished to mark their 80^th and 75^thbirthdays respectively by undertaking a sponsored bike ride. To make it more of a challenge they decided to complete the 100km ride on a tandem.

On Thursday 20 August they set off from Chapel Lane in Formby at 8.30 am on a sunny, if breezy, morning to ride their circular route through a series of Lancashire villages. Naturally there were a couple of comfort breaks and a brief lunch at Bispham. They arrived back in Formby at just before 4 pm. They both looked amazingly chipper for people who have just completed such a ride, despite very nearly getting knocked off their tandem by a car driver when only 20 yards from home. The Rotary Club President, Jan Owen, welcomed them with a glass of champagne, which went down very well.

Sponsors clearly believed that Bill and Val deserved supporting and we are pleased to report that, once various boosts were include, no less than £4000 was collected. This will be distributed to four local charities, Jospice (St Josephs Hospice, Crosby), Queenscourt Hospice (Southport), Woodlands Hospice, (Aintree) and St Josephs Home (Formby).

The attached pictures show them about to set off, then at a stop en route and finally a couple of the finish line. There is also a movie (just 1 minute) covering training, setting off and returning which can be seen on the Rotary Club of Formby website.

And Now brought to you Val and Bill the Movie