MORE than 600 cyclists have signed up to take part in a bike ride for one of Stoke-on-Trent’s best-loved charities.

They will set off BIKE RIDE: From left, Jodie Goodwin, warehouse manager Kevin Corden and office clerk Jenny Bowers. Inset, Jodie’s gran Barbara Bradley. Picture: Leanne Bagnallfrom Michelin Athletic Club in Stoke before pedalling 10km, 55km or 150km to raise money for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.

And among those taking part in the event this month will be Jodie Goodwin.

The 32-year-old was inspired to sign up after her step-grandmother, Barbara Bradley, from Longton, used the Hospice at Home care before losing her fight against cancer 10 years ago.

 She will be joined by her colleagues from Newcastle-based TLP Group.

‘The care that she received was amazing’

Warehouse manager Jodie, from Newcastle, said: “It’s something they do every year and they encouraged me to get involved.

“I thought it would be nice to do it in memory of my step-grandmother, as it is 10 years since she died this year.

“The care that she received was amazing. They made her comfortable and the nurses were brilliant.

“She wanted to die at home, it was her wish to be close to her husband.

“It’s a great charity to be raising money for and I thought it would be nice to do it in her memory.”

As the rest of her work team have been doing the bike ride for last few years, Jodie has been trying to get in shape for the ride.

She added: “I’m not the fittest of people, and I have only ridden the bike to work and back once.

“That did take it out of me, I was knackered and it was only three miles.

“I have been going to the gym and swimming to get my fitness up

“It’s not a race at the end of the day and I can go at my own pace.”

Jodie’s step-daughter Megan Goodwin is also taking part in the 10km bike ride on May 15.

The 17-year-old said: “I’m doing it in memory of my two great nanas, Nana Nancy and Little Nana.

“We have talked about doing the longer one next year, when we have more time to prepare.

“We are both egging each other on, it’s for a great cause too.

“I know that my family have always donated to the Dougie Mac so its good to carry that on.”

Hospice spokesman Paul Downey said: “We are hoping to get at least 1,000 people involved in the race this year. There are 650 so far.

We have people who come from all over just to participate which is fantastic. We’re hoping that it continues to grow and grow.”

Read more at http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/600-cyclists-sign-dougie-mac-bike-ride/story-29242700-detail/story.html#PiMrfwtt6T4CopEd.99