Print Comment Email

Get into gear and help the NSPCC protect children

Date published: 14 April 2008

With spring upon us and the promise of warmer weather just around the corner, the NSPCC are calling on people across Rochdale to dust off their bicycles, saddle up and enter the NSPCC’s Big Bike Ride 2008.

Now in its third year the NSPCC Big Bike Ride is one of the biggest family fundraisers on the calendar and the charity is calling on cyclists of all abilities to get involved.

Thousands of people are expected to take up the challenge to help create a better future for children by joining one of the many bike rides being staged across the country, or by organising their own ride over the weekend of 27 – 29 June 2008.

Actress and singer, Michelle Gayle is supporting the NSPCC’s Big Bike Ride and is calling on everyone who can get onto two wheels to sign up right now for fresh air, a good time and a fantastic cause.

Ms Gayle said: “I love bike riding and the Big Bike Ride is a brilliant opportunity to saddle up and get some fresh air in the lungs. The Big Bike Ride is for people of all ages and whatever distance you ride can make a huge difference - whether you go it alone, ride with a group of mates or join forces as a family.

“Money you raise through sponsorship will help to fund the NSPCC’s services for children and young people. That's why I’m asking you all to get your bikes out of the shed, brush the rust off and use pedal power to help stop cruelty to children.”

Last year’s Big Bike Ride attracted serious cyclists, Sunday afternoon freewheelers, and mums on bikes with kids on trikes. Some braved flood waters, others battled with their own fancy dress and all raised funds to support some of the UK’s most vulnerable children.

Jo Carter, NSPCC head of national event fundraising said: “By taking part in the NSPCC Big Bike Ride you will have a great opportunity to have fun, keep fit and at the same time help the NSPCC carry out the vital work it undertakes providing local services for children and families.”

This year for the first time, the NSPCC is running three national events – in Newcastle (28 June), Sussex (26 July) and Cardiff (26 July). But hundreds of people around the UK will be organising their own sponsored bike rides.

For more information on the events or to organise your own, visit: