Dental nurse & pal cycle London to Paris for Charity

Ulverston Dental Nurse, Becky Burch has raised thousands of pounds for charity in a 300-mile cycle ride from London to Paris.

Mrs Burch arrived in the French capital on Saturday 11th September, after completing the gruelling four-day ride.

So far, Mrs Burch has raised £4,500, which will be split between St Mary's Hospice and The Rumic Foundation Trust, which helps disadvantaged children across south Cumbria.

She completed the challenge with friend Sarah Dacosta, 45 who did the cycle ride in memory of her father, Ulverston physiotherapist Joe Harrison, who died recently. Mrs Dacosta raised £1,700 for her local hospice in Bedfordshire.

Mrs Burch works at Benson Street Dental Surgery, and Avanti Capitola wine bar, both in Ulverston. She started cycling as a hobby but was inspired to take up the London to Paris challenge this year.

The London to Paris challenge is split into three stages: London to Calais, Calais to Amiens and Amiens to Paris. The pair arrived at the finish line in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Mrs Burch said: "This has been one of the hardest but most rewarding experiences of my life.

"The journey was much tougher than either of us imagined but we have had a fantastic time; and although it has been incredibly challenging, we have met some truly inspirational people.

"I am so grateful to the people who have sponsored and supported me in this, especially the Capitola staff who were key in helping me to raise such a fantastic amount. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people in the area."

Mrs Dacosta said: "It was an amazing experience and I was proud to have done this in memory of my dad. We have had incredible support from our friends and families."

With thanks to North West Evening Mail for the article.