Wigan fund-raisers transformed into Vikings as they took on charity bike ride
The annual Spring View charity bike ride has been running since 1995, with Spring View ARLFC and the wider community raising thousands of pounds over the years for a wide range of charities and good causes.
A Wigan community came together to raise more than £2,100 for three people in need of support and care.
Members of Spring View ARLFC, Spring View Masters, customers of the Viewer Bar and other residents united to support people within their community.
They took part in the annual charity bike ride organised by Barry Smith, of Spring View ARLFC, cycling from Heatons Bridge Inn along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal before heading to Spring View Rugby Club.
A different fancy dress theme is chosen each year and this time it was Vikings.
The ride included stops at canal pubs, with Barry providing a number of fun challenges for the cyclists to complete in an effort to raise awareness and encourage members of the public to donate.
The Viking theme even extended onto the water, with some fund-raisers taking to the canal in canoes and rowing alongside the cyclists.
The event raised just over £2,100, which will be split between three local people to help with their individual care and support needs.
They are: Lexi-Mae Brown, whose family is currently trying to build an extension that will become a dedicated area designed around her needs; John Macreel, who had stroke and needs help towards his ongoing care and transport costs to hospital; and Christine Broxson, who lost her sight eight years ago and will be able to go to a care home for respite.
Barry said: “This was the best ever fund-raising event I have organised. The turnout from the Spring View community was fantastic and it was brilliant to see how much fun everyone had who took part.
“I would just like to thank all the volunteers and everyone involved who helped me make this happen. Without the support of the community, none of this would be possible.”
The annual Spring View charity bike ride has been running since 1995, with Spring View ARLFC and the wider community raising thousands of pounds over the years for a wide range of charities and good causes.
The charities supported over the years have included Joining Jack, Wigan and Leigh Hospice, North West Air Ambulance, pancreatic cancer charities, Andy’s Man Club and Guide Dogs.