It could be said that PHCS’s Cathi Foale was a little ‘cycling lazy’ in 2016. However, that doesn’t mean she’s been redundant! She has been pedalling on a more low-key level, choosing to do longer weekend tours in the UK.

Cathi’s largest tour was in Dijon, France. Dijon, capital of the historic Burgundy region, is also one of the country’s principal wine-producing areas. We’ll say no more, Cathi!

However, Cathi and her partner Paul are back with a vengeance for 2017 and have already made plans for their chosen charity: the MS Society. They have previously raised money for Age Concern, Bowel Cancer Research and the Royal Berks ‘da Vinci Robot’ for revolutionary cancer treatment, undertaking lengthy and testing cycle tours.Cathi and Paul have now confirmed dates for their cycle challenge to help raise money for the MS Society. They will be cycling 500 plus miles in eight days, traversing the Apennine Mountain range from Bologna to Rome, Italy

Cathi said: ‘It will be an exciting and demanding challenge but every mile and ache will be worth it if we can spread the word and raise as much money as possible.’

Their bikes will be flown over with just two panniers each and they will find accommodation en route. Their exciting adventure takes place in April 2017. Cathi has set up a Virgin Giving Money website, linked to the MS Society, for people to make donations before, during and after the challenge. At PH&HC we appeal to you to help Cathi and Paul smash their £3,000 target, if you are able.  Cathi explained: ‘Together – To Beat MS is exactly what this challenge is about. I hope that friends, acquaintances and readers of PH&HC can spare a few pennies or pounds. We are not asking for big contributions – rather lots of token amounts that add up to make the difference.

If you would like to donate, please click on the below link which will stay open until October 2017. Thank you.’

MS affects around 100,000 people in the UK. It is a neurological disease with no known cure.

See http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/CandPcycleBolognatoRome to donate to the cycle challenge and help support a worthy cause close to Cathi’s heart.