A dental nurse is to take on a 1,100 mile cycle to help people with learning disabilities.
Emma Halstead, of Quarmby Road, Quarmby, will face big hills and unpredictable weather when she saddles up on July 2 to tackle John O’Groats to Lands End.
As if that was not enough, she and her cycling partner and cousin-in-law Ian Lyons will have the extra challenge of carrying tents and their own kit weighing 17kg on the 15 day journey, which she is doing in aid of Slaithwaite’s music group Xylosound.
Based in Bridge Street, the group was set up by Andy Burton to encourage adults with learning disabilities to get involved with music and performance.
Emma’s own brother Adam, 29, who has learning difficulties and mild cerebal palsy, is one of its newest members.
“It’s a group that’s been really close to my heart even before Adam joined,” she said. “I love music and wanted to do something for them because without local groups like that people like my brother wouldn’t have these great opportunities.
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“The group is somewhere people can enjoy themselves, show off their talents and form a routine for themselves.
“If groups like this didn’t exist there wouldn’t be much for people like Adam, who don’t work, to do.”
The pair will travel through the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District, Worcester and Newquay before arriving at Lands End on July 16.
Another 14 miles will be cycled the day after to the nearest train station in Penzance.
Emma, who will be easy to spot in her purple helmet, said: “We’ve been in training for this since February.
“We both liked cycling before but weren’t regular riders so we’ve been going out on rides three to four times a week.
“There are going to be a lot of hills in Scotland and Cornwall but we hope the middle part will be a bit flatter.
“It will be more of a challenge taking our own kit and buying our own food without a support team but I’m doing it for such a great cause.”
To donate to Emma’s cycle ride, go to crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Xylosound
