Cycling fan Madeleine Pritchard has found an unusual way to celebrate Father’s Day with her dad – by joining him on a 75-mile ride.
The 16-year-old will be taking part in the Trossachs Ton with dad David Pritchard for the second year running in aid of children’s charity Action Medical Research.
David says it’s a cause close to both their hearts, explaining: “I have spent most of my working life in medical diagnostics and I am currently Head of Research at Axis-Shield Diagnostics, and Madeleine is hoping to go on to study medicine. We take part in quite a few fundraising activities for medical-related charities; this will be my third Action Medical Research event (and Madeleine’s second) and these events are certainly amongst our favourites.”
The event on Sunday, 19 June 2016, offers two options: the Classic 75-mile route or the more challenging Champion option, which covers 106 miles. The route, which starts at Stirling High School, is one of the best ride outs in Scotland in an area of outstanding scenery full of mountains and forests, making the ride a pleasure despite the hills. The Classic route includes Crow Road and a single ascent of the Duke’s Pass while the Champion offers the Double Duke, two runs at the steep but stunning pass.
“The course is excellent and we enjoy undertaking a challenge together,” says David of their father-daughter outing. “When our lives are so busy, it is really nice to make the time to do something like this together. We have also found the Action events to be very friendly and supportive, particularly during last year’s Trossachs Ton when lots of folks were supportive of Madeleine as she cycled round the course. The great organisation of the rides really helps and the food is amazing, the best that I have had in similar events.”
The Trossachs Ton is part of the Action Medical Research’s popular RIDE100 series of one-day bike rides that take place in fantastic cycling locations across the UK. All include chip timing, food and water stations, marshals and mechanics.
Entry to the Trossachs Ton is £38 and riders will be raising money to help fund medical research into conditions affecting babies and children – in 2015, almost 5,000 riders helped to raise a total of £286,000.
With the help of its supporters, Action Medical Research has played a significant role in many medical breakthroughs for more than 60 years, from the development of the first UK polio vaccines to the use of ultrasound in pregnancy. It is currently funding research into meningitis, Down syndrome, epilepsy and premature birth, as well as some rare and distressing conditions that severely affect children.
“Clearly, Action Medical Research is an important charity that supports research into childhood diseases and the benefits of this work can be very significant,” adds David. “But I’d also encourage people to participate in Action’s events as it can provide a personal goal; they are very well organised – did I mention the amazing food? – and they’re a lot of fun.”
For more information and to register for the Trossachs Ton, please visit action.org.uk/trossachs-ton
To support Madeleine’s fundraising, please head to action.org.uk/sponsor/madeleinep1999
