Clitheroe friends' 'sheer determination' see them brave stormy weather to complete 40-mile charity bike ride

And if that wasn’t a challenge enough, on the day they got on their bikes - October 3rd - they had to ride through heavy rain, hailstorms and the cold – and all to raise money for East Lancashire Hospice.

Their true determination paid off as they have already raised £1,251 with still more sponsorship to come.

Participant and Clitheroe resident, Ann Gawthorpe, said: “I have ridden a bike a couple of times, but the last time I did it at a distance was 27 years ago and that was also for charity. Some of the others haven’t been on a bike for years and had to borrow them for this day, but their sheer determination got them through, even though it felt like it was 100 miles because of the awful weather and conditions. It was so bad that when we finally stopped for a hot drink in a café, they were mopping the floor around us whilst we were drinking it.”

Ann’s sister, Margaret Backhouse, who also took part, said: “I want to thank everyone who sponsored us to raise this fantastic amount of money for such a good cause and I would like

to say a personal thank you to Pendle Primary School and the local pubs and customers who contributed too. This has given us a great sense of achievement and we want to

continue to fundraise for the hospice and maybe when we can, hold car boot sales too - watch this space!”

Sharon Crymble, Income Generation and Marketing Lead for the hospice, said: “When we saw the weather on the day that the ride was planned, we were amazed that the group still

wanted to do it, but because of the amount that people had pledged and the fact they had set their goal to see it through, shows how focused and how much they had set their hearts

on completing it.

"A huge thank you to each and every one of the group. We know that some found it hard just as they had left Clitheroe so to have the willpower to carry on and complete

it is fantastic. Thank you and a huge well done, both on completing the challenge and for raising such an incredible amount, it really will help us to continue to provide care for our patients, and especially during these difficult times.”