Pedal to protect kids (From Penarth Times)

Pedal to protect kids

PENARTH'S sportiest people are being sought for an exciting NSPCC Bikeathon, which kicks off in twin town Saint Pol de Leon in June.

HTV news reader Jonathan Hill whizzed into Penarth on his bike this week to help highlight the event June 15-23.

Jonathan is a member of the society's FULL STOP business group and said the Bikeathon had so far raised over £86,000 to help abused and neglected children throughout Wales.

This will be the 11th year that the event has run. It will take place throughout Brittany where, over the course of one week, cyclists will clock up around 300 miles.

Their routes are carefully planned, not very hilly and will take in some of the most beautiful scenery in Brittany.

The NSPCC is currently looking for 20 more cyclists to take part in this year's Bikeathon. The organisers are interested in anybody at all, whether sports teams, firemen, doctors or nurses, in groups or going solo.

Bridget Stadden of the NSPCC said: "It will be fun, something a bit different and, most importantly of all, help a lot of young children and adults suffering abuse and neglect."

The price is £295 to include ferries, bed and breakfast at carefully selected hotels, full back-up support and luggage transportation.

Cyclists taking part are expected to raise a minimum of £200 and all sponsorship money goes directly to the NSPCC. Bikeathon is not a race and the emphasis is on safety and equipment.

For more information, contact Bridget Stadden on 2044 5205 or email bstadden@nspcc.org.uk