A Kirk Michael couple are on target to raise £3,000 for charity with a cycling challenge supported by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
Nathan and Christine Evans plan to ride 237 miles from London to Paris in just three days, starting on 1st September. Nathan is raising money for The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity in memory of his mum, who passed away last year, while cash raised by Christine will be donated to Hospice Isle of Man.
The Steam Packet Company is supporting them by covering the cost of the couple’s travel between the Isle of Man and the UK.
Christine admitted the training and fundraising had been hard work, but they are determined to succeed.
She said: ‘There's been tears and worry if we could do this, but we’re as determined and stubborn as heck!
‘There have been some bumps along the way, for example the bike rack broke while my bike was on it and my bike was written off, which meant I had to get a new one. We’ve also both had a sickness bug which took a week out of our training schedule.
‘Our lives have become dominated by cycling as we train, but we’ve been fundraising too. Nathan has reached his target, but is keen to bring in more, and I’m very close to mine - I'm confident I'll reach it by the time we go.’
She continued: ‘We’ve had great support; Eurocycles has provided sound advice and is checking our bikes are ready for the challenge, Sure has given us a smartphone to use during the journey so we can post about our progress on social media and Bikestyle donated a cycling jersey which will have the Hospice Isle of Man logo printed on it for me to wear as we ride.
‘We are both also really grateful to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for its support. That assistance has helped made the trip possible and is a huge contribution towards helping us to raise as much money as possible for the charities.’
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward added: ‘I’m pleased to hear the fundraising has been going well and that the ambitious target is within reach, and delighted we were able to help. With all the hard work Nathan and Christine have done in training I’m sure they will be up to the challenge of covering such a great distance in such a short time.’
You can support Christine at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Christine-Evans18 and Nathan at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Nathscycle.
Photograph: Nathan and Christine Evans, whose London to Paris charity challenge is being supported by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
