
Barbara, 81, ends her RNLI ‘cycle ride’ to John O’Groats
The grandmother who started a virtual ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats on her exercise bike has completed the journey after four months.
Mrs Townsend, who has seven grandchildren, was a keen sailor crossing the Atlantic three times with husband David.
She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my cycling, but I am selling the exercise bike now and will add the proceeds to my total.
“I think the RNLI does a fantastic job and fortunately we never had to call them when we sailing. It was just comforting to know they were always there.”
Donations can still be made to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barbara-townsend
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