Woman embarks on new charity ride after 40 years
Jayne Lindley is cycling from London to Paris between 5-8 June
- Published
A woman who cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats to help fund the formation of a Derbyshire hospice has got back on her bike to fundraise once again – almost 40 years later.
Jayne Lindley, 54, who last rode for Ashgate Hospice in 1985, is pedalling 320 miles (515km) from London and Paris to raise money for the Chesterfield-based charity.
Ms Lindley hopes to raise £1,100 - the same amount she raised in 1985.
The 54-year-old said the new ride was in memory of her mother, who worked as a manager at the hospice.
Jayne during her first charity cycle challenge for Ashgate Hospice in 1985
“This will be 39 years since my first and only distance cycle challenge with my friend Sally," she said.
"I was only 16 and we were completely unsupported.
“Since then, I’ve been hit by a car while skiing in Germany in 1993, and then hospitalised after crashing headfirst over the handlebars six years later.
"Quite frankly I should not be allowed out without supervision."
Ms Lindley, who lives in Chesterfield, said she would be riding in memory of her mother, Alethea, who worked as a manager at the hospice for 14 years.
Ms Lindley poses with her mother Alethea, shortly after joining the RAF
Alethea was involved in the launch of an appeal to raise funds for a new extension, which included the site’s day centre.
The unit, which continues to provide palliative care services for patients, was opened by Prince Edward in 2005, six months after Alethea died.
“The hospice gave my mum immense pride being part of such a vital service for North Derbyshire,” said Jayne, who will be leaving the RAF this year after 28 years of service.
“We have so many memories of happy times of being at the hospice before mum was ill, and then the comfort of knowing she was in safe hands to ease her pain when she needed the care herself.
“The ride is for our loved ones past, present and future who will or have needed hospice support in their darkest hour to lighten the load.”
Pothole preparation
Ms Lindley said she expected the charity ride to France to be tough.
Speaking before setting off on Wednesday, she said: "Unfortunately I haven’t done much preparation. It will be a case of mind over matter, boosted by trying to make a small difference by raising funds for Ashgate.
"As the ride will be during the D-Day anniversary, I will also be able to pay my respects to the fallen along the way to Paris.
“I have braved the potholes of the Peak District and recently managed 47 miles and climbed over 3,000ft, which is more than three times the height of the Eiffel Tower.
"I just need to double that and do it four days on the trot.”
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