Cancer survivor's 250 mile cycle challenge

On Saturday 9 July, Nicki Wills, 51, from Westbury in Wiltshire, will cycle 250 miles in 24 hours, with the aim of raising £1,500 for Turn2us.

Nicki was helped by Turn2us in 2015 when she was recovering from cancer. Due to her illness, she was unable to work, and as a supply teacher, not being able to work meant she had no money coming in.

Nicki found Turn2us at a time when she was desperate for help. The charity awarded her a grant, without which Nicki said she would not have been able to survive and would probably have ended up homeless.

During her battle with her illness, Nicki also lost her father to cancer. He was a keen cyclist and in 1961, cycled 250 miles in a 12 hour time trial in North Worcestershire.

Nicki is taking on the cycle challenge this Saturday to raise money for Turn2us, and in memory of her father.

Nicki says: “I would like to give back to Turn2us and I cannot think of a better way than cycling to Dad’s old cycling club in Worcestershire and back home again in 24 hours.”

Family and friends have pledged to support her while she cycles the planned 250 miles. Some intend to cycle some parts of the journey and others will follow her in a support vehicle. Her partner, Jon, whom she says has supported her through all the traumas of last year, will cycle the entire distance with her.

Nicki is urging people to support her as she completes the challenge in memory of her 'brilliant father' and the charity that helped her when she really needed it.

She said: “There are 13 million people living in poverty in the UK. Helping me raise funds for Turn2us means they’ll be able to help more people experiencing extreme financial hardship get back to stability and turn their lives around to build better futures for themselves and their families.”

Support Nicki

Nicki is aiming to raise £1,500 for Turn2us. Please help her to reach her target by donating through Nicki's Just Giving page.

Get involved with Turn2us

If you're inspired by Nicki's story, take a look at our ‘Get Involved' section to find out about sporting challenges and other ways to support Turn2us. You can help us to transform lives and continue to make a vital difference where it's needed the most.

Thank you for your support.