Twenty workers from Network Rail’s East Midlands route, along with others from the rail industry, cycled 180 miles from London St. Pancras to Sheffield over three days, in memory of Network Rail colleague, Fran Johnson,

They began their ride on Thursday 22 June at St Pancras, and covered around seventy-five miles to Wellingborough in Northamptonshire. On the second day, they rode a similar distance from Wellingborough to Derby. On Saturday 24 June, they completed their challenge, riding forty miles from Derby to Sheffield.

The riders raised over £22,000 for Fran’s family’s chosen charity, Cancer Research UK. You can donate by clicking here.

Paul Cater, Senior Portfolio Manager at Network Rail’s East Midlands Route, who was one of the twenty cyclists who took part in the challenge, said: “This was a fabulous team effort with the Network Rail East Midlands team coming together and working collaboratively with our delivery partners to plan and undertake this 3-day challenge, for a sadly missed friend, colleague and a great cause, Cancer Research UK.

“Fran was a popular member of the team. She was a positive and supportive influence on all those who worked with her across Network Rail and the supply chain. This is our way to celebrate this unique individual, who touched so many people in a positive way.”

Describing his experience of the 180-mile bike ride, Paul added: “We were lucky, the English weather was on our side, apart from a 30-minute torrential downpour at the very end of the first day, where everybody was soaked to the skin in seconds. The final day’s ride commenced with more colleagues and Fran’s family joining the team to ride the first six miles from Derby to Duffield station, where we received a fantastic welcome from the Cancer Research UK team and cream scones!

“It was then onto the final leg over the Derbyshire hills to Sheffield station. All in all, it was a truly great experience, and one I am proud to have been part of.”