Labour leader Ed Miliband's support tweet for Guiseley charity cyclists (From Wharfedale Observer)

Labour leader Ed Miliband's support tweet for Guiseley charity cyclists

8:00am Sunday 7th October 2012 in Local news

A charity cycle ride through the Alps was given the backing of Labour leader Ed Miliband after a chance meeting on a train.

Mr Miliband tweeted a message of support to the cyclists – including four from Guiseley – after speaking to them as they travelled down to London to begin their epic journey.

The team of seven men have raised more than £6,000 by cycling from Marble Arch in London to Monaco on their own tour de France. And they are hoping the public will carry on donating in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust, Alzheimer’s Society and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The four Guiseley men – Chris Grant, Richard Stewart, Rob Williams and Richard Hudson – all went to school together in the town.

Talking about meeting the Labour leader, Richard Hudson said: “He talked to us for about ten to 15 minutes and was really nice. The next day we got a tweet.” In his message of support, Mr Miliband said: “Good luck to Chris and Richard, whom I met yesterday before the start of their 1,000-mile charity bike ride @CycleToMonaco.”

Richard added: “Chris Grant’s mother is very ill with Alzheimer’s – that is one of the reasons we wanted to do it. Rob lost his dad to cancer, too, so that is very close to his heart.

“It was a personal challenge for all of us and to support the charities is absolutely fantastic. The money raised has surpassed all our expectations.”

He said all of the team were amateur cyclists.

“I think it is probably the hardest physical challenge I and the rest of the lads have done,” he added.

The group put in nine days of cycling, with the final three days taking them to a height of 33,000 feet.

Emily Green and Ellie Hallam followed the team on their trip and organised luggage and hotel bookings.