Leisure centre members 'saddled-up' for countrywide 'virtual' cycle

Bircotes Leisure Centre set its members a real challenge by encouraging them to take to static exercise bikes and ‘ride’ the 1,700km from Land’s End to John O’Groats while raising vital funds to beat heart disease.

They raised over 900 for the Bawtry branch of the British Heart Foundation with the ‘virtual’ cycle challenge, part of Bassetlaw District Council’s support for the British Heart Foundation’s Help a Heart campaign aimed at raising 1.5 million for heart research.

Fitness instructor Angie Dainty who co-ordinated the effort said: “The majority of the money was raised by our GP referral group, supported by other gym users and the public, who were only too happy to take to the bikes for a great cause.”

Bawtry branch chairman Stephen Shorthose said: “This is a great achievement. The cycle challenge was a wonderful way to raise vital funds so we can invest in future groundbreaking research.

“Those who participated can be justified in feeling a sense of personal achievement.’’