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Lancaster cyclist to take on 500 mile castle-to-castle challenge

Gillian Sheath

A keen Lancaster cyclist is about to embark on a 500 mile ride between two of the UK's most historic castles.

Gillian Sheath will cycle from Lancaster Castle to Cardiff Castle and back in aid of a cancer charity.

Gillian, 63, will set off on September 6, riding between 20 and 70 miles per day solo, cycling through England, then over to Chepstow, then Cardiff, Rhoose, Llanwit Major, then Abergavenny, Shrewsbury and back home, in a challenge she expects will take around two weeks.

The retired occupational therapist chose to raise funds for Macmillan after a friend's husband died of cancer, aged 42.

Over the past two years she has cycled solo to Lands End and raised £2800 for the Alzheimer’s Society, then pedalled solo to Beach Head in Sussex in aid of The Samaritans, again raising £2800.

"I've cycled all my life and of course, I love it," said Gillian.

"On my trips I've been stopped and given money. On one occasion I was cycling up hill and a car passenger gave me £5 through an open window. It was like being on the Tour de France.

"I chose Cardiff as I don’t know the area. I stay with friends and family whenever possible in order to keep the cost to me down.

"I enjoy all the catch ups with folk I sometimes haven’t seen for years and years.

"I’d like dry weather, not too hot and friendly drivers!"

Gillian aims to raise £3000 and raise awareness of the work of Macmillan, a charity supporting people who are living with cancer.

If you would like to donate, her Justgiving page can be found here. 

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