Londoner takes on mammoth night cycle
Young Londoner Becca Brown took on a mammoth 100km Nightrider cycling challenge to raise money for disabled people.
I wanted to set myself a challenge I could fundraise for and Nightrider seemed perfect.
Becca
All funds will go to Leonard Cheshire, the charity where Becca works. The 27-year-old from Kentish Town cycled the famously tough night challenge alongside her partner Arien after recently being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Becca said:
‘I’ve worked for Leonard Cheshire for two years and I see first-hand the incredible work the charity does supporting disabled people around the world to live with independence, dignity and choice. I wanted to set myself a challenge I could fundraise for and Nightrider seemed perfect.’
Preparing for the event, Becca cycled 15 miles a day on a round trip to work. But when she was diagnosed, she had to take a break from training and it took a while after diagnosis before she could ride again.
Becca said:
‘My diagnosis came out of the blue. I love cycling but it took a long time to build up the confidence to ride even a few miles. Managing Type 1 diabetes is a full-time thing — physically and emotionally draining.
‘Managing blood sugars while cycling is really difficult — the levels can drop very fast, which can be pretty dangerous if you don’t detect it quickly.
‘It’s an unpredictable condition and the slightest thing – even the weather – can affect your sugar levels. Nightrider is the furthest I have cycled since my diagnosis by a long way.’
This project enables more disabled people to keep active and play sport, breaking down barriers to participation.
As Nightrider marked its 10th anniversary in the capital, around 2,000 cyclists tackled a 50km or 100km route past many famous London landmarks. A keen sports fan and tennis player, she is delighted that money she raises will go to schemes like Leonard Cheshire’s Can Do Sport project.
To support Becca’s efforts, you can donate at justgiving.com/becca-brown4
If you want to fundraise for Leonard Cheshire, you can find events in the capital or ride at other Nightrider events taking place this summer in Liverpool, Glasgow and Bristol.
Media enquiries
For additional information and photos, contact Nick Bishop in Leonard Cheshire’s external communications team on nick.bishop@leonardcheshire.org or call 01202 747100. Out of hours press office mobile: 07903 949 388.