Di Vallance and I are both keen cyclists and have always wondered if we could manage to cycle the length of the UK from the very Southern point in England, Lands End all the way to the most Northerly point in Scotland at John O'Groats. The route we are taking is a cycling distance of 970 miles with a climbing elevation of 54,000 feet (that's nearly twice the height of Mount Everest). We are hoping to complete this over 9 days with an average daily distance of 108 miles.

This is a self funded trip but we wanted to chose a charity to support and were keen to support a children's charity.

I am a proud member of three great cycling clubs one of which being Ilkeston Cycling Club. I have had the privilege of riding, racing and having fun with a lot of their members. Unfortunately one of the young cyclists 'Evie' was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour which has spread to her spine. 

The full background is below. But this young lady is a very inspirational shining light and will have a great cycling future in front of her when she overcomes this challenge. She has decided to approach this challenge in a very positive way and wants to help raise money for the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group and we would like to support her. 

Di Vallance is the ladies captain for Coalville Wheelers but we are a close knit community in cycling and although she is not a member of Ilkeston cycling club, she was keen to support Evie in her fund raising efforts.

Any funds you could donate would make a huge difference to young people.

Evie's story

Evie is a valued member of Ilkeston Cycle Club.  Not only a talented member of our youth academy but also a regular at our club events, often racing against adults (and keeping them on their toes).  The younger members of the academy look up to her and the older members are inspired by her.

At the start of the year, Evie was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour which has spread to her spine.  She is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy with regular long stays in hospital and has a long journey ahead of her.

Evie is totally inspirational, graciously accepting her reality with optimism, determination  and maturity beyond her years and even in the darkest of times she continues to light up a room with her smile and positivity.

The whole Hartley family mean so much to us as a club......if it wasn't for Dave's passion and enthusiasm, Layla's support to Dave, Fearne and Florence supporting their dad and sister, and Paul's commitment to setting up the youth academy, we definitely wouldn't be where we are today...….that's the UK's Cycling Club of the Year 2020 for those of you that have forgotten :)

We will be planning a number of fundraising events throughout the year to support Evie's charity of choice (more detail below) and I know the whole club will get behind these 100%.  

This link will remain open throughout the year for anyone who wishes to donate directly.  As the total increases, I'm sure Evie's determination and positivity will continue to grow.

Please support us in our mission to raise vital funds for this charity and show support to Evie and the family along the way.  

About Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group

Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group is a leading children's cancer charity and the UK and Ireland's professional association for those involved in the treatment and care of children with cancer. Each week in the UK and Ireland, more than 30 children are diagnosed with cancer. We bring together professionals to ensure all children receive the best possible treatment and care. We support young patients and their families with our award winning, expert information. We fund and support research into childhood cancers.