Tremendous turn-out for Le Tour de Bilston charity cycle
Cyclists of all abilities saddled up for a 'tremendous' Le Tour de Bilston - an all-day static cycling event to help raise money for the refurbishment of the town’s war memorial.
Organised by WV Active Bilston, the local Rotary Club, and Discover Bilston, the event today saw various eager participants hop on and off stationary exercise bikes after a 30-minute go each.
The aim was to constantly keep the bikes pedalling for a constant seven and a half hours, from 8am to 3.30pm.
Cycling legend Hugh Porter MBE popped in to show his support for the fundraiser, which he said was collecting money for a 'very, very worthy cause'. He was the final cyclist of the day to take part, along with Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands Sylvia Parkin.
Mr Porter said: "It looked like a very good day for everyone. Many people on the day said it was a tremendous success, and it delivered what it set out to do which was raise quite a few bob for a very, very worthy cause.
"That's why I came to show my support. To help a cause that remembers these brave lads that fought for us in the war, and ensure they are not forgotten."
The event was also supported by the deputy mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Philip Page, plus the city’s three MPs, Pat McFadden, Emma Reynolds and Eleanor Smith, who all cycled during the event.
Express & Star political reporter Pete Madeley and investigations reporter Alex Ross also played their part, each donating 30 minutes of their time for the cause. Bob Stolz President of the Rotary Club of Bilston & Wolverhampton West said: “The Rotary Club is part of Bilston Remembers Community group which has been working to commemorate the centenary of the First World War for the last four years.
“At the heart of our plan is the costly refurbishment of the war memorial in Bilston which has suffered wear and tear from weather over the years.
“Le Tour de Bilston is a fantastic way for us to raise money towards this."
Dr Bike also held a repair workshop at the event, so locals with broken bicycles could bring them along and have them fixed or checked over for free.
The aim was to raise about £5,000 - donations were made on the day and each cyclist had sponsors to raise money.
Visit wvactive.com/tourdebilston.aspxto make a donation towards the memorial.
