First for five park ride

Helen Wathall MBE, Managing Director of Bondholder Wathall's has become the first to sign up for a cycle ride organised by Bondholder Safe and Sound.

Having recently re-discovered cycling as a pastime, Helen is planning to complete the 11-mile route around five Derby parks – Markeaton, Darley and Alvaston as well as Bass and Markeaton recreation grounds.

She has also set up a Justgiving page to raise money to help the charity support more young people across the county who are victims of or at risk of child exploitation.

Miss Wathall said: “I used to love cycling but haven’t done it – or indeed very much else – for several years since injuring my knees doing the Team Wathall charity walk from Derby to London.

“My friends and family are very surprised to hear that I am back on two wheels and they have promised to sponsor me to encourage me to do this challenge as the first step.

“It will also be a great way to get out and about back into Derby’s parks and enjoy the greenery that is on our doorstep across the city whilst supporting a great local charity.”

Safe and Sound CEO Tracy Harrison added: “We are very grateful for Helen and the Wathall’s team’s continued support for Safe and Sound, she is a great role model for re-discovering the joy of cycling as a fun and healthy sporting pastime!”

Everyone signing up and donating to the charity receives details of an easy to follow and cycle-friendly circular route, taking in the parks, which they can do whenever they want and at their own pace, either in one day or in stages.. The ride information pack also highlights the parks’ history and interesting landmarks to look out for on the way.

Upon completion of the challenge, cyclists will receive a certificate. Money raised will go to the charity’s Butterfly Appeal which was set up a year ago to help transform the lives of children, young people and their families across Derbyshire whose lives are affected by child exploitation.

For more information about how to join the Five Park Ride and support the work of Safe and Sound, please click here.