VIDEO: Diss Cyclathon set to raise record sums for good causes

A set of medicine balls have proved just the tonic for athletes in Diss

Diss Athletics Club welcomed Alan Franks recently, one of the organisers of Diss Cyclathon, to see them putting to use the equipment that has been purchased using funds raised by the cycling event, last year.

Diss Cyclathon 2019, this year, a family cycle event and fun day, takes place this Sunday (June 23).

The not-for-profit race raises money for local causes and last year won a national Cycle UK award for best volunteer event.

Gordon Coe, head coach at Diss Athletics Club, said: “We cannot thank Diss Cyclathon enough for their very kind donation.

“In order to make the club accessible to everyone in the community, our training costs only cover the hire of the sports ground, meaning we have no funds left for equipment. Receiving support from Diss Cyclathon has allowed us to purchase some amazing new equipment and our athletes are delighted.”

Neil Collins, organiser of Diss Cyclathon, said: “Each of the three years we’ve been running the cyclathon, we’ve raised around £10,000, which we then pass on to local causes, particularly those linked with cycling or getting kids outside being active. We’re hoping to raise even more money this year and the weather is looking good.”

Among the beneficiaries in 2018 were Bressingham and Diss primary schools, which were given nationally-recognised Bikeability training.

Diss Cyclathon also paid for the hire of a digger and some bikes to help Fox Wood Forest School build an outdoor track to help children have fun and learn how to ride their bikes.

Merryfields Playschool in Diss was given some new starter bikes for their youngsters, two Diss cycling clubs were given new equipment, and residents in a sheltered housing project were able to buy new bikes.

Funds were also donated to the East Anglian Air Ambulance, to Diss Carnival and Diss Corn Hall.

The event this year will see cyclists tackle rides at 25, 50, or 100 miles. There will also be family rides and then an afternoon of fun in the park, with live music and hosted by Diss' own Park Radio.

For more information, go online to www.disscyclathon.org