Marie Curie, the official charity partner of Yorkshire’s Grand Départ of the Tour de France, is calling on people to take on a fundraising challenge and join in the Grand Départy.

Marie Curie is aiming to raise £1million and has developed a brand new fundraising pack full of lots of ideas to inspire you and help to get you fundraising. Ideas include: Go Cycling – Hold your very own Tour party. Organise a cycling tour of your town or take part in our cycle to work week and get your friends to sponsor you to cycle to work.

How about contacting your local gym and see if they would like to hold a static cycle or sponsored spin class.

  • Go Yellow – Have a day at work or school where everyone wears yellow.
  • Go French – Hold a French themed dinner party for your friends or do something more active like a French-themed sports day.

Jane Collins, chief executive of Marie Curie said: “We want as many people as possible to do something extraordinary to raise money for Marie Curie.

“Even if you’re not a cyclist, there are so many ways for you to get involved. This is your chance to make it an occasion to remember and really get the community involved. You can help make a difference and raise much needed funds.

“All the money raised from the Grand Départy will enable us to offer free care for more people with terminal illnesses and their families.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “It is fantastic to see Marie Curie embracing the opportunity Yorkshire’s Grand Départ brings.

“This project not only offers people the chance to celebrate this magnificent sporting event coming to Yorkshire, but also link up with Marie Curie and help raise some money for this great charity.”

To register for a Grand Départy fundraising pack, visit mariecurie.org.uk/tourdefrance.

Alternatively, donate directly by texting TOUR to 70007, donating £5 to Marie Curie.