31 Jan 2013 Last updated at 00:00

Charities to benefit from fire service challenge

Members of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have revealed details of a cycling challenge to raise money for charity.

This year, the challenge is to cycle 100 miles on the Isle of Wight in a single day, before tackling 100 mountains in just 10 days in France, under a challenge called '100 Here 100 There'.

Raise lots of money
 
The aim is to bring the community together to support Island cancer patients and their families in partnership with the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Wessex Cancer Trust, Seeds4Change and the Firefighters Charity. The event is dedicated to anyone whose lives have been affected by cancer and to the memory Isle of Wight fire control officer John Hargreaves, who passed away after battling cancer.
 
It is hoped at least £20,000 will be raised this year with the money being split between the three charities.
 
In a difference to previous challenges, the fire service is keen for anyone to take part on the 100 mile ride around the Isle of Wight on Sunday 30 June. It can be ridden individually or as part of a team each completing a segment of the route. The event is open to all, whatever your cycling ability.
 
Preceding the main event, firefighters Kelvin Wright and Lee Venier will be attempting the gruelling 'Cent Cols Challenge' in France, where they will cycle over and past 100 mountains in 10 days.

Register now
 
During the course of the year there will also be a variety of supporting fund raising events connected with the main cycle ride. These will include fundraising days at Marks and Spencer in Newport and Tesco in Ryde, car washes at Ryde and Newport fire stations and a teddy bear parachute drop.
 
More details about the 100 Here 100 There Challenge is available by going to www.iow100.btck.co.uk  where anyone wanting to take part in the 100 mile cycle around the Isle of Wight can find details of how to register. Once registered, people will be provided with an information pack which will include a sponsorship form.

The fire service has previously raised tens of thousands during 'Square 2 Square' cycling challenges
The fire service has previously raised tens of thousands during 'Square 2 Square' cycling challenges
Factfile
  • Previous challenges have seen fire officers cycle from Newport to Prague, Rome and Gibraltar
 
Ryde Isle of Wight