Some of the biggest names in the eventing world are swopping four legs for two wheels in a 1,000km charity cycle ride in memory of talented rider Caroline March.

Cycle4Caroline was launched today (August 19) by leading event rider Piggy March and her husband Tom – Caroline’s brother – and aims to raise a six-figure sum for the British Eventing Support Trust and Spinal Research.

The epic ten-day ride will start on November 20 at Blair Castle, Perthshire, and will take in prestigious eventing venues including Bramham, Chatsworth, Burghley, Blenheim and Badminton.

Caroline, 31, from Colchester in Essex, tragically died through assisted suicide in March two years after suffering life-changing injuries in a cross-country fall.

Her brother Tom said: “We’re really focused on making Cycle4Caroline a success. I’m looking forward to the whole challenge and being able to achieve something positive in Caroline’s memory for the benefit of others. If we can make a difference to the lives of others that will make all the work worthwhile.

“Caroline’s life was completely transformed by her spinal injury, and she really believed in the need to pursue scientific advances to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.

“Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity focused on the repair and restoration of the spinal cord and so was the right fit to try to achieve a positive change in Caroline’s memory.”

Tom and Piggy will complete the full 1,000km ride with a core team of cyclists including BE Support Trust Chair and three-time Olympian Ian Stark OBE, and multi-medallist Holly Woodhead. BE Support Trust Patron Alastair Wilson, also joins the peloton. Alastair’s wife Nicola, a former Olympic silver medallist and European Eventing Champion also suffered life altering spinal injuries as a result of a cross-country fall at Badminton Horse Trials in 2022.

Additional stars from the equestrian and sporting world will join individual journey legs, including members of the Team GB’s 2024 gold medal winning Olympic team, former Olympians, World and European Champions.

Piggy March said: “I hate getting on a bike, its uncomfortable and there’s just too many hills in this country! So mentally and physically it’s going to be fairly hideous.

“I keep saying whose idea was this and it’s probably mine. But when I’m going up one of those hills thinking why am I doing this or I can’t do this, I’ll also be thinking I have legs that work.

“Over the last year we’ve all needed to recognise just how fortunate we are for what we’ve got.”

The epic challenge will finish on November 30 at The Savoy Hotel, London, just before the British Eventing Support Trust Charity Ball.

Support Trust Chair of the Board of Trustees Ian Stark said: “We, just like everyone connected with eventing, were devastated to hear of Caroline’s passing, but it’s typical of the March family that out of such tragedy comes the burning desire to help other people.

“Here’s hoping we can raise lots of money for the Trust and Spinal Research – we are aiming for £500,000, so we need everyone’s help to ensure we smash that target!”

Every two hours someone in the UK is paralysed after a spinal cord injury. It can happen to anyone at any time with devastating consequences.

Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity funding medical research to develop life-changing treatments for the millions around the world living with a spinal cord injury.

Charity chair Tara Stewart said: “The last few years have seen genuinely exciting breakthroughs in the field of spinal cord injury, giving new understanding about the spinal cord's ability to heal. Our purpose is to cure paralysis by funding the delivery of these revolutionary treatments and therapies to the injured.

“All of us at Spinal Research were deeply saddened by the news of Caroline’s death and are honoured and delighted to be part of the C4C challenge, which will support both our work and that of the British Eventing Support Trust, creating a legacy of hope in her memory.”

Supporters will be able to follow the team’s progress via social media, and updates via www.cycle4caroline.com

- ENDS –

To join the launch event please contact sarah@equiconsulting.co.uk or 07944750513

WHEN: 19th August 2024 from 11:00 to 14:00

WHERE: Maidwell Lodge Farm, Maidwell, Northamptonshire, NN6 9JE

Notes to Editors:

The British Eventing Support Trust is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the physical and mental health of British Eventing competing members. Through a range of initiatives and support services, including a free and confidential mental health helpline, the BE Support Trust aims to ensure the well-being of the eventing community in Britain.

For further information, please contact: Jane Rudd - Email: info@besupporttrust.org.uk - Telephone: +44 333 335 5604

Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity funding medical research worldwide to develop effective treatments for paralysis caused by a spinal cord injury. We are finally at the stage where exciting function-restoring therapeutics are being tested in human trials which offer real hope that curing paralysis will be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century.

For further information, please contact: Suzanne Redding - Email: info@spinal-research.org - Phone: 0203 824 7400

Website: www.spinal-research.org

For more information contact: Sarah Skillin at sarah@equiconsulting.co.uk or call 07944 750513

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