City cyclist gets on her bike to raise funds in memory of late father - The Coventry Observer

City cyclist gets on her bike to raise funds in memory of late father

Coventry Editorial 21st Jul, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

A KENILWORTH triathlete who competed as part of Team GB is getting on her bike to raise valuable funds in the memory of her late father.

Sally Boon will take on the 100-mile Prudential London-Surrey bike ride on Sunday (July 31) following the sad loss of her father, David Olorenshaw, to colon cancer in January.

The mum-of-two will be aiming to complete the challenge in six hours – and her efforts will see Cancer Research UK benefit as Sally aims to raise £1,000 for the national charity.

Despite previously competing in the Sprint Triathlon World Championships in 2014, Sally will be entering unchartered territory when taking on the epic challenge having rarely cycled more than 35 miles per training session.




To add to her training routine, Sally will be looking after her new born son Oliver – who arrived into the world in November last year, meaning Sally had to start her training from rock bottom.

Luckily her maternity leave and the support of her family with childcare has given her time to train five times a week, which she divides between the open road and the Coventry Sports Foundation-managed Xcel Leisure Centre.


She said: “The furthest I had ever cycled before training was 60 miles, and this ride will be almost double the distance so it will definitely be one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever taken on.

“I was inspired to take it on after losing my father to colon cancer earlier this year.

“It’s a cruel disease so I wanted to do something to help research into even better treatment and hopefully a cure.

“Balancing training with two children has been tricky to deal with but luckily Xcel offers early bird swim sessions with a free breakfast after which keeps me refueled.”

Susan has used the foundation’s facilities for more than two years – and she admits the Xcel Leisure Centre has been great to help her get to the fitness level she needs before taking on the ride.

Rowena Cole, marketing assistant at Coventry Sports Foundation and GB athlete who ran the 800 metres as part of Team GB at the British Athletics Championships in June, said the foundation was keen to support Sally ahead of the ride.

She added: “As a sporting charity, the foundation is always pleased to hear of anyone pushing their fitness in aid of good causes.

“Having known Sally for a number of years through running with her at Coventry Godiva Harriers, I know that we both take our fitness seriously – so I’m confident she’ll finish the challenge within her target time, and the Foundation wishes her the best of luck.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sally-boon for further information about Sally’s charity challenge.

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