The 100-mile ride was led off by Ben Johnson, who set up the ride in memory of his friend Amanda Ashby-Pickford, who lived and worked in Reepham (at the library) and died of leukaemia last year at the age of just 38, leaving two young children.
 
Ben said: “It was a fantastic day, but the 34°C heat meant it felt more like a Tour stage!” All eight cyclists completed the 100-mile route, despite the heat, and raised more than £1,700 for Nelson’s Journey.
 
In the afternoon, more than 40 children accompanied by their families took part in the Family Bike Ride, a five-mile route along Marriott’s Way, for Amanda and another parent in Reepham, Paul Lin, who also passed away last year from leukaemia. This raised more than £420, which meant the two rides together raised more than £2,100 for the Norwich-based charity.
 
Family Bike Ride organiser Lois Fuller said: “What started out as a small family cycle ride turned into a lively, fun event and there were certainly lots of smiles on both the children’s and the adults’ faces as they set off.
 
“It has brought a small community together, with three local shops in Reepham and a local wholesaler donating sweets and snacks for the children after the ride.
 
“It feels good to be able to do something in a situation where sometimes you don’t always know what you can say or do to help, and afterwards it was good to talk with friends and family of Amanda and Paul and helps to keep their memory alive.”
 
You can still donate to the Nelson’s 100 cause by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/northnorfolk100. Text donations can be made directly to the charity by texting ‘NJNJ44’ followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70070.