June 21, 2014

Barnsley’s 200 Mile Mission

Last week saw our chief executive Lesley Dixon get on her bike to support the Barnsley Health trainers as they set off for a 200 mile bike ride.

Lesley rode alongside the men, from Barnsley Men’s Health Group, for the first leg of their journey along the Trans Pennine Trail from Liverpool to Hornsea.

The ride got started at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, and the sun was out as the team set off on their mission to raise awareness of men’s health and generate funds to refurbish the free community gym based at Shaw Lane in Barnsley.

The 25 cyclists undergoing the four-day challenge included retired men, partially-sighted men and ex-offenders, as well as those who have suffered from conditions including heart disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The cycling bug was sparked when the project successfully bid for £10,000 Big Lottery funding which enabled mountain bikes to be purchased.

Lesley said:

“It was brilliant to join the men at the starting point of the ride which I’m confident will prove very successful. We are delighted with the success of the Barnsley Men’s Health Group, which not only encourages a healthier lifestyle, but also promotes social wellbeing.

“Cycling is becoming a real passion within PSS and will hopefully lead to us all becoming a very healthy social enterprise.”