Riders cycle from Yorkshire to London for Jo Cox

Kim Leadbeater and her parents welcomed the cyclists in London

More than 100 people have cycled from Yorkshire to London in memory of Jo Cox, the MP who was murdered in June 2016.

The 290-mile ride – The Jo Cox Way – has been taking place for a decade, and it raises money for The Jo Cox Foundation.

They were welcomed in the capital by Mrs Cox's parents alongside her sister Kim Leadbeater, the MP for Spen Valley.

Mrs Cox, who was MP for the constituency under its former guise of Batley & Spen, was shot and stabbed multiple times in Birstall, West Yorkshire, by white supremacist Thomas Mair.

Ms Leadbeater said: "We've had more cyclists than ever... I think it's fair to say the 10th Jo Cox Way has been a huge success.

"These riders are just amazing. It just shows the best of people.

"It's a huge physical and mental challenge and every single one of these cyclists has earnt the respect of everyone they know.

"Jo was a passionate campaigner for gender equality so it's wonderful to see nearly 60 women riding this year and showing that cycling really is for everyone."

Kath Lyons from Skipton, Jayne Bellwood from Morley and Paula Stega from Idle

The youngest of the 103 participants in this year's ride – which involves 13,000ft of climbing – was 21 while the oldest was 80-year-old Kath Lyons from Skipton, who completed the route for the fourth time.

"I've been doing The Jo Cox Way again to remind myself what Jo stood for," Mrs Lyons said. "We all have more in common than we think.

"There are always times on the ride when you think 'What the hell am I doing this for?' but we just encourage each other to get to the top of the next hill."

Ken Avery completed the ride with support from his family

Ken Avery, 76, from Liversedge, West Yorkshire, has terminal cancer.

His daughter rode alongside him for the first few miles of the journey, and his son crossed the finish line with him in London.

"I think they're both proud of me because I'm doing something that I enjoy and it's keeping me fit and healthy," he said.

Mr Avery was told he could expect to live for another 10 years – but that was 15 years ago.

He said: "I believe it's down to cycling and keeping fit."

It was the first time Saeed Umar did the ride

Saeed Umar, 50, from Blackburn, was taking part for the first time.

"It's a great event, bringing together people of different abilities from across the country to help each other through this epic ride - working together, working through challenges," he said.

"Cycling and charity has brought us together."

The Jo Cox Foundation was set up to campaign on issues that the MP was passionate about.

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