Durham farmers pedal to raise money for Parkinson’s charity

A group of 15 North East farmers are attempting a gruelling 210-mile cycle ride from County Durham to the Scottish Borders and back, in aid of Parkinson’s UK.

Setting off today (Thursday 25 May) from the village of Stanhope, the group will ride north to Denholm in the Scottish Borders, before turning south to Amble, Northumberland, and then back to Stanhope over three days.

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“The terrible disease has affected a few of our friends in the local farming community,” said Peddling for Parkinson’s organiser Andrew Moralee, who farms suckler cows and arable near Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

 “We come in all shapes and sizes and, after several pints in the pub, the idea of a 200-mile cycle ride seemed a good one to raise money for this worthy charity.”

Training has been a bit hit and miss in the run-up to the event, with things such as silaging and calving getting in the way, he says. But the farmers are determined to grit their teeth and make a difference.

Peddling for Parkinson’s has already raised more than £4,000, but further donations would be gratefully received via the JustGiving web page.