Helston: Local cyclist gears up for 400 mile charity challenge

By Joseph Macey

21st Jan 2022 | Local News

A feat only three women in the UK have reportedly completed - a local cyclist is set to ride over 24 hours continuously for charity.

Helen Napier, 51, based in Manaccan on the Lizard, is raising money for MS Society UK. The charity is close to her heart as her older sister is a sufferer.

On Friday 28th January at 5:30pm Helen will be setting out on the epic challenge - cycling for roughly 26 hours on her turbo trainer via an online training platform 'Zwift'. She will finish at 7:30pm Saturday 29th January.

The ride will amount to 400 miles and she will be burning 9,000 kcals. To date, it is thought only three UK women have completed a task like this.

Helen told Nub News:

"It is such a cruel disease and it is heartbreaking for us, as a family, to watch my sister lose more and more independence.

"There is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis so any money raised will go towards much-needed research into stopping any other families having to go through a similar experience as well as funding care and support to those with MS and their loved ones."

On the challenges that lie ahead, Helen commented:

"It's going to be physically and mentally challenging, especially in the wee small hours when anyone with any sense is tucked up in bed.

"I'm going to stop every 6 hours to stretch, eat, change shorts, reapply anti-chafe cream and use the loo. I'll burn in excess of 9,000 calories in 24 hours, which is basically a licence to eat cake.

"Short-term loss of feeling in my hands is also a very real possibility, but it will come back after about a week - unlike the loss of sensation/mobility MS sufferers face."

"It would be flipping amazing if you donated to this charity, your money would go a long way towards helping the 130,000 sufferers of MS in the UK. If you're on Zwift then hop on your turbo and come for a pedal with me (MelonPie 24hoursofZwift) for a few miles, or give me a thumbs up," she added.

So far, Helen has raised over £2,000 for charity, click here to make a donation and find out more.

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