Charity cyclists face hostile weather as they circle around Suffolk

The Cycling Suffolk for Sue charity cyclists, raising funds for St Elizabeth Hospice (Image: Archant)

Joining the Cycling Suffolk for Sue cycling team, Ella Canham and Roger Harvey from Stowe Veterinary Group took on the mammoth challenge, which started and finished in the village of Old Newton.

The 220-mile journey took the team through some of Suffolk’s most beautiful towns, including Thetford, Haverhill, Felixstowe and Southwold.

Roger Harvey said: “The ride went amazingly well; day one covered 125 miles, starting in Old Newton in the drizzle, and heading around to Felixstowe, by which time the sun had come out, aided by the massive support we received en route.”

He continued: “Sunday morning started with a speed boat crossing of the Deben, before getting back on the bikes and heading north out of Bawdsey. “The wind was not so kind to us in the first half of the day, with us having to deal with either a strong coastal wind, or as we headed inland, a northerly wind. Again the support en route was amazing throughout.”

The team successfully completed the route within their target time and received an emotional welcome into Old Newton by family and friends on the Sunday evening.

The team undertook the gruelling two-day ride in support of their friend Sue Cobbold. Sue was diagnosed with cancer in March 2011 and has chosen to support St Elizabeth Hospice, who continue to provide amazing support for both her and her family.

In total, the team has raised £3,226.25 for St Elizabeth Hospice and, with donations still being collected, they hope to top £4,000.

Roger added: “The ‘Cycling Suffolk for Sue’ cycling team (Ella Canham, Roger Harvey, Clare Norfolk, Dawn and Paul Cobbold), would like to extend a thank you to all the support team, together with those that cheered us on en route and of course all the amazing generous sponsorship.”