Solo Coast-to-Coast ride sees Stourbridge pensioner raise thousands for charity
Stourbridge woman completes gruelling 140-mile solo cycle ride
A 79-year-old member of Stourbridge U3A has completed a challenging 140-mile solo Coast-to-Coast cycle ride, raising £2,600 for Alzheimer's Research UK.
Diana Sturgeon took on the iconic route from Whitehaven to Roker, Sunderland, over four-and-a-half days in June in support of the charity, inspired by a family member who has been living with Alzheimer's disease for many years.
Despite battling heavy rain, strong winds and some of England's toughest cycling climbs, Diana said the challenge was made memorable by spectacular scenery and the kindness of strangers she met along the way.
She said: "After many months of preparation, cycling 40 miles frequently with hills, nothing could prepare me for the hills on the Coast-to-Coast ride – Whinlatter Pass, Hartside and the spectacular Pennines.
"The whole journey was amazing. I met some wonderfully kind people who sponsored me on my way.
"The weather varied from a couple of heavy rainstorms to swirling winds.
"Thanks to the Stourbridge U3A Cycling Group for their tremendous support and encouragement. I've raised £2,600 for Alzheimer's Research UK, which I'm absolutely delighted about."
Diana last completed the Coast-to-Coast route 28 years ago but said this year's ride was noticeably more demanding.
Her toughest day took her from Alston to Consett, setting off at 8am and finishing at 6.30pm after a long day in the saddle that ended in rain.
She recalled one particularly memorable act of kindness near the end of her journey while tackling a steep hill at Washington, near Newcastle.
As she pushed her heavily laden bicycle uphill, a woman walking her dog offered to help by taking the bike while Diana held the dog's lead, allowing them to chat as they climbed together.
Diana said there were many similar encounters throughout the ride, with people she met along the route, as well as hosts at places she stayed, making donations alongside supporters back home in Stourbridge.
One quote she came across during the journey stayed with her: "If you don't climb the mountain, you don't get the views."
Those wishing to support Diana's fundraising can do so via her Alzheimer's Research UK fundraiser page.