Coast-to-coast by bike for Holt couple
5:00pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in News By Craig Jones
A Holt couple are in the middle of a coast-to-coast cycling challenge, crossing the Pyrenees mountain range to raise money for charities.
Jim and Louise Evans travelled to Europe to meet friends Dan and Mini Collar, formerly of Bradford on Avon, last Friday.
The Collars run Chalet La Luge, a ski resort in Switzerland, and the group started its independent eight-day ride in Hendaye, France, on Sunday.
Health and safety officer Mr Evans, 47, andMr Collar, 42, will be cycling the full 790km journey from the Atlantic coast, finishing in Cerbere on the Mediterranean coast.
Their partners will be assisting in a support van and cycling with the men as much as possible.
Mr Evans was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a blood cancer, 10 years ago. During his chemotherapy and radiation courses, he formed the ambition to do the cycle ride.
Mr Evans, who is now in remission, said: “This is something I have always fancied doing and I’m glad I’ve finally been able to get around to do it.
“We are pretty ready to do this physically and mentally and it should be a great experience.”
The original fundraising target of £1,000 has already been smashed, thanks to donations, and Mr Evans said he would be pleased if he could raise £2,500 to be split between Lymphoma and Leukaemia UK and Macmil-lan Cancer Support.
Throughout the trip, which has been planned by Mr and Mrs Evans, the couples will stay in campsites after completing each stage.
Account manager Mrs Evans said: “We are delighted to be doing this and raising money for the charities. The amount we’ve raised just keeps going up and up, so we’d like to raise as much as we possibly can.”
Friend Stuart Faint, who runs Holt company Pietra, bought the team’s kit.
He said: “They are good friends and this is a good cause, especially when you consider Jim has had it and come through the other side.
“I’m sure they will come back with quite a few tales to tell and I can’t wait to hear them.”
The Evans plan to have a holiday before heading home.
For more information about the challenge or to give sponsorship, visit www.
justgiving.com/teams/jim-dan
