Tandem ride supports new women's refuge

Rue and Kieron's IOW Tandem Cycle Challenge

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Two tandem novices have made a circuit of the Isle of Wight by bike to support Safe in Sussex.

Rue and Kieron’s IOW Tandem Cycle Challenge saw Rupert Franklin from Eastbourne and Kieron Woodland from Burgess Hill pedal 68 miles in five hours.

The £1,500 raised will help fund a new refuge that Safe in Sussex is opening in Littlehampton early next year.

Louise Gisbey, the charity’s fundraising and marketing manager, said: “We currently deliver the Freedom Programme in Littlehampton, which is free for any woman to attend who wishes to learn more about domestic abuse, the tactics used by abusive people and the effects domestic abuse has on children.

“Additionally, we deliver healthy relationship programmes into primary and secondary schools across West Sussex. We have delivered these to schools in Littlehampton and are currently delivering one of our programmes into a primary school in Rustington.

“Unfortunately, Safe in Sussex is unable to help all those in need and is planning to open a third refuge in Littlehampton and to develop a crisis information and advice centre to provide early intervention to women.”

Rue and Kieron, who have been friends since the first day of infant school, made a few wrong turns on their ride but hope their effort will have the right effect, by raising awareness for the women’s refuges.

While Rue is a keen cyclist, Kieron had not cycled anywhere since he was seven and neither had ever ridden a tandem before training for their ride.