Wheels in motion for cycling relay

ON your bike . . . charity cyclists prepare for their epic ride

A 40-strong team of charity cyclists are set to take to the road to raise money in memory of a colleague.

And they are the first to take up the gauntlet in a new appeal launched by Macmillan Cancer Support and the Oldham Chronicle to give people with cancer a good day.

The Mark Rylance Challenge was established by workers from Hollinwood firm National Grid Property, who hope to raise in the region of £25,000 with the feat.

Workers at the company, which trains people to work on the National Grid, will take part in a relay ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End in May.

And they have pledged to use a proportion of the proceeds to kickstart the “Have a Good Day” campaign.

Cyclists have split the ride into a relay of 17 stages over 14 days, so Mark’s many friends and colleagues get the chance to take part.

The riders will include not just serious cyclists, but people who may not have ridden a bike for many years.

Mark, who worked for National Grid Property and its predecessors for almost 20 years, lost his battle with cancer last year. It was his suggestion that his colleagues take to their bikes in a fitting tribute to his memory. His colleagues said one of Mark’s strengths as a manager was teamwork and inclusivity. He always believed that everyone had something to contribute.

The cycling challenge has been six months in the making and all who volunteered will play a part.

Seven riders will set the wheels rolling on Saturday, May 7, when they tackle the gruelling 108-mile first stage from John O’Groats to Lairg.

The final stage, on Friday, May 20, will see as many of the participants as possible gather to cross the finishing line together at Land’s End.


::Catch up with the latest news and sponsor the event through www.justgiving.com/themarkrylancechallenge or www.markrylancechallenge.wordpress.com.


Macmillan grants FAQ
A Macmillan grant is a one-off payment to help people with cancer Have a Good Day.

It can help pay for anything from heating bills and extra clothing to a much-needed break, or helping sufferers continue with activities they enjoy.

Anyone who has cancer, or is affected by the illness or treatment, can apply, but must have no more than £6,000 in savings as a single person, or £8,000 as a couple or family.

Disposable income needs to be under £100 per person in the house, once the bills have been paid. Disability living allowance or attendance allowance do not count as disposable income.

Applications for a grant should be made through a health or social care professional, such as a social worker, district nurse, or a Macmillan nurse, and must include a short medical report from a doctor, consultant or Macmillan nurse.

Approved grants are usually sent out within three working days.

For more information call Macmillan Cancer Support free helpline on 0808-808 0000.