Grandmother to cycle around 69 cities virtually to raise money for charity which supports her family in Chichester

Sue Burriss, 69, from Poole, will attempt to virtually cycle the distance of all 69 cities in the UK, from home, before she turns 70 next May.

Sue hopes the ambitious challenge will provide much needed funds for Parents and Carers Support Organisation (PACSO), a charity which supports children with disabilities in Chichester and Arun, including her Birdham-based grandchildren Finley, 11, and his seven-year-old sister Rose.

She said: “Our eldest grandson has special needs and gets so much help from PACSO. The whole family is looked after.

“He goes to activity days and after school clubs, they are really good. They do so much for the grandchildren.

“I’m hoping it will make a difference and help them carry on the good work that they are doing. At the moment, everything is frozen and no one can do much.

“We mustn’t forget the local charities who do so much.”

Explaining the thinking behind the challenge, Sue said she wanted to give herself more of a challenge than jumping out of an aeroplane or another 'one off event’.

She added: “We have a big new years’ party every year and they said I had to do something for my 70th. I have done a parachute jump and abseiling and I do enjoy the thrill but it's just a one off. This is more of an endurance challenge and I'm hoping it will keep me fit.

“It was all arranged before Covid[-19] and I was going to launch it at the local David Lloyd [health club] but then everything closed down.

“Not to be beaten, I bought an exercise bike and I’m doing it at home.

“I worked out the miles and it’s roughly 2,500 miles to go through all the 69 cities in the UK while I’m still 69.

“I’m hoping it will catch on so people can join in.”

To donate, please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/suecyclingto70

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