Davina McCall returns for DIVA 100 and raises £60,000

TV’s Davina McCall along with almost 400 women-cyclists raised over £60,000 when they took to the saddle again for a women-only bike ride for a children’s charity on Sunday 13 May.

Davina McCall has been involved with Action Medical Research since she was a little girl and added: “This is one of my favourite days in the year! I get to hang out with great women, get fit, eat loads guilt free and raise money for Action Medical Research, a charity that means so much to me.”

The sun shone brightly as cyclists participating in Action Medical Research’s DIVA 100 Sussex 2012’s bike ride set off from Cowdray Park Golf Club in Midhurst.

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 DIVA 100 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 DIVA 100 bike 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 Sarah Stevenson says: “It’s so wonderful to see so many women joining forces with Davina to take to the hills of Sussex for Action Medical Research. Every hill and every decent will help raise funds to stop the suffering of babies and children and I am so proud of every woman who has completed this amazing challenge.”

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 DIVA 100 Sussex bike ride, contact Sarah Stevenson on 01273 735788 or email sstevenson@action.org.uk