Billingham Dentist Preparing to Take on Cycling Challenge for Charity
A dentist from Billingham is preparing to take on cycling’s toughest challenge, the Tour de France, in order to raise money for a good cause.
Dr Ian Lane, from Queensway Dental Clinic, will cycle the amateur stage of the prestigious race, known as the Etape du Tour, later this month in a bid to raise £5,000 for charity. Dr Lane is cycling in aid of The Smile Train, a charity that raises money for children with a cleft lip and palate.
Every year in the UK, 165,000 babies are born with a cleft lip or palate and The Smile Train offers support for parents and children.
More than 5,000 cyclists will be taking part in the challenge, which begins in Pau in the Pyrenees. The gruelling route will take riders over some of the entire Tour’s highest peaks and passes, including the Col du Tourmelet and Col d’Aubisque. In total, by the time the riders reach the end of the stage, they will have cycled almost 200 miles and climbed around 4,000 metres.
Dr Lane said that he had undertaken extensive research before deciding which charity to raise money for. He selected The Smile Train because the work they do is so worthwhile and they genuinely make a difference to thousands of children’s lives, as well as helping their families and loved ones. Dr Lane said that he is very excited about the race, although he admitted to being apprehensive and anxious as the start of the race draws near.
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