A Rutland couple have just completed a marathon cycle to Paris, raising much-needed funds for two local charities.

Steve and Ali Gorman, passionate cyclists and volunteers from Whissendine, donned their lycra and self-funded their mammoth cycle, which they rounded off in Paris late last week.

Riding between 60 and 90 miles per day, the duo set off from Whissendine on 1 August and made it to Paris on 10 August, peddling through rain and shine to complete their fundraising challenge.

We know what you're thinking: they must be in'Seine'!

Congratulations to Steve and Ali, Whissnedine locals who have raised money to support local charities. Image credit: Steve Gorman.

Steve and Ali volunteer fro Pepper's- A Safe Place and the Leicestershire and Rutland Blood Bikes, and were inspired to raise money for the charities after seeing the successes of the local organisations first hand.

Pepper's is a mental health charity with hubs in Oakham and Melton Mowbray. The team runs friendly and welcoming drop-in sessions and wellbeing activities for any adults who may be struggling with their mental health.

All adults are welcome to join the Pepper's community and take a break, socialise, combat isolation, have fun and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

Pepper's host a range of activities to support mental health and wellbeing. Image credit: Pepper's - A Safe Place

Development Manager, Pippa Gorman, said: "Loneliness is something that I'm sure we have all struggled with, especially throughout the pandemic. But many live with it everyday. We want to bring the community together, with a shared, safe and welcoming space for all, to chat, socialise, have fun and be less alone." 

Meanwhile, the Leicestershire and Rutland Blood Bikes transport blood, blood products, pathology samples, patient notes, x-rays, patient scans, surgical equipment, donated breast milk – anything where there is an immediate need to transport an item that will directly benefit patient care.

They have no paid staff and receive no funding from the government or health bodies., and as such rely entirely on the generosity of sponsors, supporters and the public.

The Blood Bike team attended the Rutland Show in June. Image credit: Nub News.

Two years ago, the duo raised funds for Pepper's- A Safe Place cycling from Shetland to Dover, and this year decided that they needed an even bigger challenge.

Steve has been keeping the community updated on his Facebook page.

On the final day, Steve said: "The ride was quite easy to start with on picturesque roads and quiet tracks until we hit Paris proper! Road closures, diversions and riot police getting tooled up ready for action caused a few navigational issues. AliG still managed a bit of retail therapy when we passed a market. We managed to get to the Eiffel Tower at lunchtime.

"Thanks to everyone that has donated so far and for the many messages of support, they were all very helpful. The trip has been a great success and one I would recommend to anyone interested in cycle touring or even adjusted to fit a motorcycle tour.

"The guide book we used was the Cicerone 'Cycling London to Paris' which has all stage's mapping out plus a link to the gpx file download for both routes and route variations. We made our own route up from Whissendine to London which was easy enough to do and used fabulous backroads and old railway tracks.

"The most technical section was from Rochester to Dover as most is off road along the Pilgims way. We chose the road variant from Amiens to Beauvais instead of the 30km off road Coulee Vert. You will need to adapt the route occasionally as roads are closed or deviations put in. Campsites are a little more spread out but hotels and guesthouses are plentiful.

"It's a lovely trip through some beautiful countryside, cities, towns and villages.

"Thanks again for you generous donations. I know they will make a huge difference."

Ali and Steven have cycled past some incredible sites on their trip to Paris. Image credit: Steve Gorman.

Steve and Ali have, so far, raised a whopping £1,080 to split between their two chosen charities, and are now enjoying a well earned rest ahead of Thursday's Nene Valley Ducati meeting - something that Steve was determined to get back on time for!

Donations are still being accepted on their JustGiving page.

Congratulations Ali and Steve!