York pub regulars plan 100-mile a day cycle challenge in memory of ‘greatly loved’ Francine

Charity cyclists from York are planning a gruelling ride from Bridlington to Morecambe and back in just three and half days in memory of a very special woman.

The riders are raising funds for their ‘wonderful friend’ Francine – who died from ovarian cancer aged just 36 in October 2020.

It will be tough going for Colin Heath, Andy Courtney, Rob Down, Pete Mcnichol, Rob Allen and Tom Adams.

The 340-mile route, taking in the the Wolds, York, the Yorkshire Dales, the Pennines and the Lake District, includes 21,000 feet of ascent. They’ll then turn around and do it all again in reverse.

Colin Heath of the team said: “Taking on this major challenge is our way of raising awareness of these brilliant charitable causes and encouraging your support, so that we can help to make a difference for women with ovarian cancer.

“It’s going to be pretty gruelling as the first three days are around 100 miles each followed by an easy 50 miles from York to Bridlington to finish.”

It starts this Thursday (8 July) in Bridlington and should pass through Easingwold at lunchtime then onto Masham, Leyburn and Hawes.

Friday they’re due in Bowness on Windemere for lunch then around Morecambe Bay to finish in Morecambe late afternoon.

“Saturday is Lancaster to York via Settle, Pateley Bridge at lunchtime, then Ripon and onto Beningborough Hall where we are meeting friends of Francine who are going to cycle into York with us.”

Francine worked at The Swan pub in York. Landlord Paul Crossman said: “Francine was greatly loved by the staff and customers in all three of our pubs, and was very much at the heart of our community.

“It is lovely to see this event happening in her memory.

“People have already given generously to both MacMillans and St Leonards Hospice, who both provided her with such great care last year, and Ovacome is another wonderful cause that we can all support for her.”