Rainy day blues vanish as riders raise thousands
TORRENTIAL rain did not deter cyclists riding from Padstow to Wenford Bridge, near Bodmin, to help raise money for charities that help people with depression.
Dozens of local riders took to the saddle to help organiser and Padstow businesswoman Nicky Turriff on her quest to raise thousands of pounds.
Despite the dreadful weather people still took part in the 37-mile ride, many of them in fancy dress.
Nicky, 37, suffered from post-natal depression after the birth of her daughter Poppy and wanted to raise more money and awareness for the Angela Harrison Trust. The charity was set up with the aim of supporting women with perinatal mental health problems, educating health professionals and campaigning for improved services in Cornwall.
This is the second bike ride she has organised and this year Nicky wanted to raise awareness about all forms of depression and will also be raising money in memory of Darren "Daz" Billing from Padstow. Daz committed suicide in 2006 at the age of 22.
Confidence
She said: "Some of the money raised will be donated to Pentreath, which is a mental health charity in Newquay and Wadebridge Rethink, also a mental health charity. It offers support, help and confidence to engage in social and workplace activities.
Nicky said: "It was great to see so many people in fancy dress brightening up the dull skies and to see so many children. One child, Thalia Siddiqui, from Goonhavern, aged 8 was the youngest child to cycle the whole way there and back raising over £200. I asked her why she wanted to do it and she said it was because it was so horrible to see me poorly and she wanted to help other poorly people.
"What an achievement."
Nicky particularly wanted to thank Chris and Emma Murphy from Padstow Cycle hire, Treats on Trikes, Natalie Lindsey and Marianna Curtis and their team for opening up the Rethink centre in Wadebridge, Jeff and Angie Rogers and Elaine and Robert Ead from The Chough Bakery in Padstow.
People can still donate to the charities by contacting Nicky on 07929 002409 or e-mail nicky@harbourholidays.co.uk
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