Every summer, hundreds of amazing women come together at night to cycle 100km around London in support of people affected by breast, ovarian and cervical cancers. Raising much needed funds and awareness for our trio of invaluable Women V Cancer charities, every single one of our incredibly inspiring participants have a different story behind taking part. Here, the wonderful Maria Watts shares her reasons for joining cause in 2019.
I just wanted to share my story as to why I am taking part in Ride the Night this year. My best friend was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer just over a year ago. She continues to live well, this is because of the great support and counselling she has received from the professionals around her, as well as her own positive thoughts. My Mother has also had breast cancer and is in her fifth year since being cancer free.
I wanted to give something back for all the support they have had and still are receiving, this meant a real commitment from me as I had not ridden a bike for over ten years and was very unfit and overweight. I was so inspired by the stories from last year’s participants that I saw on Facebook, so I signed up (last August). The week after that, I signed up to Slimming World and so far, I have lost almost four and half stones to enable me to raise the much needed funds to support such an important event.
I am not going to lie: the ride will be my greatest challenge, but I am out riding my bike, building up my mileage and getting fitter every day.
I am so excited to be part of this event and can't wait to see everyone there on the day. Thank you for allowing me to share my story, good luck everyone.
Maria Watts is taking on her greatest challenge and cycling through the night to support her best friend
Find out more about Women V CancerWhat is Women V Cancer Ride the Night?
Over the last five years, thousands of women have cycled 100km through London at night and raised over £6 million for Women V Cancer, which brings together Breast Cancer Care, Ovarian Cancer Action and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. Through the combined work of these three incredibly important charities, Women V Cancer is committed to supporting the thousands of people across the UK who are sadly affected by women’s cancers and researching into developing effective treatments and cures for ovarian, breast and cervical cancers.
In summer 2019, Ride the Night is back for its sixth year, not just in London but in Edinburgh as well! With a second city in 2019, we hope to get even more people involved, so we can make an even bigger impact in a cause that grows ever more critical.
Thank you very much to Maria and to all the ladies already registered for Ride the Night 2019 - it's always an amazing, inspiring and incredibly emotional night and we can't wait to see you there.
If you'd like to join this incredible team of women on this awesome challenge, you still have time to register for Ride the Night Edinburgh and join Ride the Night London as a volunteer. The deadline to sign up for Ride the Night Edinburgh is 17 May 2019 and places are limited, so we advise you to register soon.
Find out more about Women V Cancer Ride the Night Edinburgh and London on the challenge web pages.
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