Fundraisers gearing up for south coast cycle challenge in aid of Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation

CARING ladies are gearing up to pedal for a worthy cause.
A group of women are undertaking a 150-mile bike ride to raise money for the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation. Oakleys mum Lorraine Waterman, centre front, with friends and supporters
Picture: Ian Hargreaves (160842-3)A group of women are undertaking a 150-mile bike ride to raise money for the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation. Oakleys mum Lorraine Waterman, centre front, with friends and supporters
Picture: Ian Hargreaves (160842-3)
A group of women are undertaking a 150-mile bike ride to raise money for the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation. Oakleys mum Lorraine Waterman, centre front, with friends and supporters Picture: Ian Hargreaves (160842-3)

Eighty women will cycle from Gosport along the south coast to raise thousands of pounds for the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation.

The charity, which lets out caravans on Haven campsites to families with children suffering from life-threatening illnesses, was set up shortly before the death of Oakley, six, the son of ex-Pompey player Dave Waterman, in 2005.

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Starting from Gosport Masonic Hall, fundraisers will either ride 150 miles to Newhaven and back, 130 miles to Brighton and back or 100 miles to and from Worthing.

The teams will set off on Saturday morning and arrive back on Sunday.

The annual ride is in its fifth year.

Oakley’s mum Lorraine Waterman, is preparing to take on the Brighton route.

Lorraine, who lives in Gosport, said: ‘If we can make a difference to other families, our job is complete.

‘We just need to keep going with it.

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‘At the moment, cancer is still around and we just want to help in whatever way we can.

‘The ride is very emotional and amazing. It’s surreal how the girls come together.

‘There’s tears, joy, laughter, everything. But we are so proud when we come back and we are greeted by our families.’

Last year’s ride for the foundation raised around £100,000.