Cyclists on their bikes for charity

Scores of cyclists will take to the roads of Fylde on Sunday '“ and aim to generously boost charity coffers into the bargain.
Four year old Henry Swift of Lytham in training for this year's Taps Bike Ride, watched by (from left)Taps landlord Steve Norris,  Fiona Swift and Luke NorrisFour year old Henry Swift of Lytham in training for this year's Taps Bike Ride, watched by (from left)Taps landlord Steve Norris,  Fiona Swift and Luke Norris
Four year old Henry Swift of Lytham in training for this year's Taps Bike Ride, watched by (from left)Taps landlord Steve Norris, Fiona Swift and Luke Norris

The Taps Charity Bike Ride, starting and finishing at The Taps pub in Henry Street, is now in its 17th year and has raised more than £100,000 for good causes in that time.

Prime beneficiary has been the Rosemere Cancer Foundation and that will be the case again this year but some of the cash will also go to other local charities.

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Riders have the choice of courses, covering either 30 or 15 miles around the country lanes of the Fylde and after the ride is over, it’s back to The Taps for food and drinks followed by prize-giving.

Long-time organiser Edward Cook said: “The event initially started as a one-off after the Taps’ brewery at the time had helped us with a Lands End to John O’Groats charity ride.

“It has been wonderful to see so many people turn out to support the ride year after year and we were so proud when we passed the £100,000 mark for money raised a couple of years ago.”

Taps landlord Steve Norris added: “It’s a wonderful community event of which we are very proud.

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“It is always great to see so many people taking part and really enjoying themselves for a good cause.

“Hopefully we can raise a few more thousands this year and we look forward to another really good turnout.”

Amy Hilton, Rosemere’s Fylde Coast fund-raising co-ordinator: “We’d like to wish everyone connected with the Taps Bike Ride a successful event.

“We’re extremely grateful to have been the recipient of the ride’s proceeds over the last 16 years and again this year.

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“All in all, the ride has generated almost £50,000, which has enabled us to offer all newly diagnosed cancer patients on the Fylde Coast access to free complementary therapies to try to make their cancer journey a little more comfortable.

“We are also currently supporting a research project at Blackpool Victoria Hospital that could lead to a new and better way of treating oesophageal and pancreatic cancers if it produces the results doctors are expecting.

“In addition, just last month, we spent £31,620 on nine ‘bionic’ chairs for the hospital’s oncology day unit and a 10th chair for the neighbouring haematology day unit. To improve the surroundings in which patients receive their treatment, which has been proven to have a positive effect on patients’ health, including easing pain, improving mood, decreasing anxiety and reducing stress, we have also spent £15,335 on artwork for the two day units so everyone participating in this year’s ride can be assured that every penny they raise will be well spent on helping local patients.”

Riders are asked to assemble at The Taps at 9.30am, with a departure time of 10.30.

For sponsorship forms and more information call in at The Taps, visit www.thetaps.co.uk or contact Edward Cook on 07814 550163

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