DIVA 100 Warwickshire helps raise over £20,000

Posted Friday 1st June 2012 –

TV’s Dr Dawn Harper, from Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, along with 150 women-cyclists raised over £20,000 for children’s charity Action Medial Research when they took to the saddle again for the DIVA 100 women-only bike ride that took place in Warwickshire on Sunday 27 May.

Dawn has been involved with Action Medical for several years: “I really enjoyed taking part in the Diva100 Warwickshire. It was a fantastic day with beautiful weather and a gorgeous route through pretty lanes. It was fabulous to see so many women out on bikes for a great cause.”

The sun shone brightly as cyclists participating in Action Medical Research’s DIVA100 Warwickshire 2012’s bike ride set off from Menzies Welcombe Spa and Golf Club in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Launched in 2011, the first ride saw as many ladies of all cycling abilities take part, raising thousands for Horsham-based children’s charity Action Medical Research.

Supported by leading bike brand Trek, the DIVA100 offered two circular countryside routes – a 100km challenge or a shorter 50km course for those looking to take it a little bit easier.

Money raised by cyclists who participated in the DIVA100 ride will help fund medical research into conditions affecting babies and children. Action Medical Research is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2012 and has been funding medical breakthroughs since it began in 1952. The charity is currently supporting work around meningitis, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, premature birth and some very rare conditions that severely affect children.

Event Manager Gail Thomas says: “The DIVA100 Warwickshire was a great success and huge thanks go to all our wonderful DIVAs who took part on Sunday. The glorious sunshine, the stunning surrounds of Menzies Welcombe Spa and Golf Club and the great camaraderie of our cyclists have made for a memorable first event of its kind in the Midlands. We are already looking forward to planning our second DIVA ride next year.”

The ride was fully supported with plenty of rest stops, a fully-serviced lunch and a complimentary sports massage for all the riders. Staff riders and first aiders were also present along the routes.

To register your interest for next year’s DIVA100 Warwickshire bike ride, contact Gail Thomas on 01844 217563 or email gthomas@action.org.uk