Spinal injuries can be devastating and happen in an instant. Every two hours, someone in the UK is paralysed after suffering a spinal cord injury. It can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time.
Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity funding and supporting breakthrough medical research to develop groundbreaking, function restoring treatments for people living daily with the devastating consequences of a spinal cord injury.
Thanks to fundraising initiatives such as Cycle4Caroline, Spinal Research UK are within touching distance of breakthrough treatments that will transform lives and restore functions and movement stolen by this terrible injury.
Cycle4Caroline is undertaken in memory of Caroline March, a fiercely strong and incredible woman who sadly passed away at the beginning of 2024. Caroline leaves behind a strong legacy and her friends and family have taken on this physically and mentally demanding challenge to raise significant funds for Spinal Research, and the British Eventing Support Trust.
Undertaking the 1,200km cycle ride, four-time Olympic silver medallist, Ian Stark OBE commented:
“They are very important charities in their own rights but particularly for event riders. We’re here to try and help anyone that might get into that situation. I’ve done a bit of training but I am 70 so a bit of the old man of the party, but we’re hoping to pick up people along the way and pick up lots of funding and support and the main aim is to get to London for Saturday 30th November which just coincides with my wife and I’s 45thwedding anniversary so if I don’t turn up I’ll be in trouble.”
Spanning 11 days, this formidable challenge will see the eight riders (and special guests) tackle a gruelling 1,200km from Blair Castle in Scotland to The Savoy in London.
The first function restoring treatment in history for chronic spinal cord injury is due to be launched next year. There are many other innovative therapies in labs right now that desperately need funding to take them from discovery to development and delivery to the people who need them. So far Cycle4Caroline has donated over £50,000 to Spinal Research UK.
Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the challenge and are invited to join in on the ride. If you fancy donning the Lycra, you can join on the final leg and cycle with some of the world’s most iconic equestrians.
Windsor to London
What: Cycle the Windsor to London leg of the challenge
When: Saturday 30th November 2024 10:00
Where: Ditton Park, Datchet.
The final leg 60km from Windsor to Central London, will start at Ditton Park before cycling past Windsor Castle and following the River Thames past Hampton Court Palace, and iconic London landmarks like Battersea Power Station, the Palace of Westminster and the London Eye before arriving at The Savoy in time for afternoon tea.
Join with some special guest stars from the world of eventing, showjumping and social media and help raise awareness and vital funds for two key charities.
To join – https://www.letsdothis.com/gb/e/cycle4caroline-236733
To view the full route, or to donate, visit www.cycle4caroline.com
If you don’t fancy participating, please consider donating to these amazing charities by visiting https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/5546/cycle4caroline/
