Malcolm’s cycle ride in memory of Yvonne

A cycle ride will be a memorable journey for one fundraiser as he puts in the miles in honour of his wife who was cared for by us.

Malcolm Quantrill will be using pedal power to take on more than 150 miles in memory of his wife Yvonne in his Mundford to Manchester Memorial Ride.

Malcolm said: “Yvonne unfortunately died at the end of March this year after a four year battle with cancer.

“She had only just celebrated her 60th birthday and after 40 years of married life together we were hoping for a nice long retirement together.

“This was not to be and so, in her memory, we want to do this Manchester Memorial Ride ride to raise funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care who have been excellent in their care.”

Yvonne's wish was to stay at home and this we managed to do but it would not have been possible without the care and support from the Hospice team.

Joined by friend Colin Rands, Malcolm’s chosen route will relive a childhood journey, seeing them cycle from Mundford to Timperley, Manchester, in a bid to raise £2,500.

“In 1966 I first travelled to visit relations in Manchester with my parents in our very old black Ford Popular car. I was even treated to a World Cup match at Old Trafford while I was there. Hungary beat Bulgaria 3-1, and I still have the programme.

“I was only 12 at the time and ever since that visit I have always said I would like to cycle there. Now, on the 50th anniversary of the visit, it seems like a good time to do it,” said Malcolm.

Malcolm and Colin have been friends for more than 25 years and they hope their many camping and walking holidays will stand them in good stead for their journey which begins on Thursday 4 August.

The pair hopes to arrive at Malcolm’s cousin’s house in Timperley, at midday on Saturday 6 August.

Malcolm said: My wife Yvonne was never very happy about me doing the ride until my friend Colin asked if he could do it with me.

“In the 1990’s we took on the Three Peaks Challenge twice, the first time in a leisurely three days and the second time in 22 hours 59 minutes.

“Now we are both in our 60’s and although we still like walking, we have both started to do quite a bit of cycling and now seems like a good time to put another hobby to good use.

“We have both been getting in some miles on our bikes in preparation for it. We try and get out together at least once or twice a week and also on our own when time allows.

“I have recorded over 1,200 miles since the start of the year and I think Colin is not too far behind.”

You can support Malcolm and Colin here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mallycolin-ride