Member Article

Newlyweds attempt gruelling London to Paris bike ride

Fitness experts at Bannatyne’s Health Club in Chester-le-Street will be helping newlyweds Mark and Lucy Herkes gear up for a marathon charity challenge for a cause close to their hearts this summer – a 500km cycle ride from London to Paris.

The Chester-le-Street couple, who married in August last year, will be spending the anniversary of their Italian lakes honeymoon in a far less comfortable position as they attempt the gruelling four-day challenge in a bid to raise £3,000 for eating disorder charity Beat.

The couple, who have already raised £455 through donations and a 12-hour bike-a-thon at the Riverside-based health club, have chosen Beat because the charity is providing invaluable support for Lucy, 25, as she recovers from a combination of anorexia and bulimia.

Lucy, who has also suffered from anxiety and depression, said: “The charity has helped support me on the road to recovery and we really just wanted to do whatever we could to try and repay them for their help.

“As well as attracting much-needed funding, we want to raise awareness of eating disorders. There is a lot of stigma attached to mental health issues such as bulimia and anorexia, but in reality, these kind of problems are all too common. We want to help to open up the debate surrounding eating disorders, so sufferers realise they are not alone and there is help out there.”

Mark, 26, said: “We wanted to do something constructive to help the cause and this seemed like the perfect challenge.

“Lucy finds that exercise really helps her as it channels her energy in a positive way and lifts her mood. The cycle ride begins a few days after our first wedding anniversary and will be a very different holiday from our honeymoon in Lake Garda, but we’re really looking forward to the challenge.

“The Bannatyne’s team has been great so far with helping us prepare – the only problem is, Lucy has put more hours in at the gym than me so far, so I’d better catch up, or she’ll be beating me to the finish line.”

Bannatyne’s Chester-le-Street General Manager Dan Gray said: “I’m full of admiration for Mark and Lucy – London to Paris on a road bike is a very difficult challenge and our fitness team are helping them to prepare as fully as possible for this event.

“It was great to help them raise £230 at their 12-hour bike-a-thon, which was held here at Bannatyne’s, and I wish them luck with the rest of their training.”

To sponsor Mark and Lucy, text Beat66 followed by the amount with a pound sign, to 70070, or go to www.doitforcharity.com/markandlucy.

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