MARIE CURIE IS BACK IN THE SADDLE FOR A RECORD 11TH YEAR AS 2019 ETAPE CALEDONIA CHARITY PARTNER

Etape Caledonia, a Limelight Sports event, has announced Marie Curie as its official charity partner with registrations now open for the hugely successful closed road sportive which takes place on Sunday, May 19, 2019, in Highland Perthshire.

The successful partnership, which is now in its 11th year, has seen Marie Curie receive £1.6million from the event and organisers hope 2019's Etape Caledonia will raise a further £80,000 for the charity.

By cycling for Team Marie Curie, participants will be enabling Marie Curie Nurses to continue to provide essential care to people living with a terminal illness, and vital emotional support to their loved ones.

Announcing the partnership, Craig Dews, CEO at Limelight Sports, said: "I am thrilled that we will be working with such a worthwhile charity as Marie Curie. The work that this charity does is inspiring and we are pleased that Etape Caledonia will raise more funds for them."

Helen Stevens, Marie Curie Senior Project Manager for Etape Caledonia, said: "Etape Caledonia is such an epic experience in a stunning setting and a must for every keen road cyclist. We are thrilled to be charity partner for the 2019 event and hope cyclists across the UK will be inspired to take part for team Marie Curie and raise vital funds for families living with terminal illness."

The Etape Caledonia was the UK's first and original closed road event when it was launched in 2007. Limelight is encouraging past participants to get back in the saddle on May 19 to pedal Perthshire on an 85-mile closed road circuit that takes in some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes. A shorter 40-mile route option is also available.

Team Marie Curie charity places start at £24.99 for a 40 mile place (£150 minimum sponsorship); 85 mile pledge place - £59.99 registration fee, £350 minimum sponsorship; 85 mile Gold Bond option, includes premium benefits - £59.99 registration fee and £650 minimum.

Participants wishing to register for Etape Caledonia and raise money for Marie Curie should visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk

Image: Team Marie Curie at 2018's Etape Caledonia 

Abigail Shepherd