A TEAM of Furness charity cyclists are in training for a London to Paris challenge.

THE 10-strong Team Jake cyclists are limbering up for a three-day fundraising adventure, starting in the capital and finishing at the Eiffel Tower this June.


Jake Ellis lost his battle with cancer when he was just five years old The challengers will cycle 100 miles each day to raise money for The Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group through The Jake Ellis Fund, in memory of brave Jake Ellis who died aged five in 2008.

Jake's parents Jo-Ann and Nick Ellis have spearheaded fundraising which has generated £120,000 so far to support research into children's tumours.

Mrs and Mr Ellis are members of cycling team and they will be joined by Dave Walmsley, Mike Walker, Mark Winder, Phil Armistead, Kerry Armistead, Dave Mason, and 17-year-olds Ryan Everett and Matthew Rourke.

Team Jake will cycle as part of a large group with Skyline. The team members need to raise £1,400 per rider in fundraising. They are seeking help with personal sponsorship through 10 separate giving pages which can be accessed through  uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/TeamJakeL2P

Ulverston company Bender UK is sponsoring the transport of the bikes and equipment from Barrow to London and the return journey. The van will also provide transport for three members of the team.

Team Jake is also interested to hear from anyone who would be interested in sponsoring the London to Barrow transport for the other team members and bike repair equipment.

Mrs Ellis said: "This will be a very tough challenge but the thing on our minds is raising money for CCLG."

Team Jake is holding a race night this Saturday at Hawcoat Park, in Barrow.

The family night is free for children and it costs £2 for adults on the door. There will be a disco, cake sale, tombola and the race night competitions.

All proceeds will be divided up between all cyclists to help reach their fundraising targets.

Mrs Ellis can be contacted on 07790 966052.

Charity praises inspiring Barrow couple

A CHARITY has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the "tireless," "astounding" and "inspirational" fundraising carried out by a Barrow couple in memory of their late son.

Jo-Ann and Nick Ellis have led a magnificent fundraising campaign which has generated more than £120,000 for the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group in the name of their son Jake, who sadly lost his battle with rhabdomyosarcoma in 2008, aged five.

Team Jake activities, including the Keswick to Barrow Walks, the annual Jake Ellis ball and Mrs Ellis running the London Marathon, and many more events receive huge support from the local community to raised money for vital research into rhabdomyosarcoma.

Ashley Gamble, executive director, of Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group, said: “The tireless fundraising of Jo-Ann and Nick in memory of Jake is truly astounding.

"With the continued support of their friends, family and the local community, they have raised more than £120,000 to support research into rhabdomyosarcoma, the type of cancer that Jake had.

"Because of their efforts, Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group have been able to support a number of research projects to help find new cures and kinder treatments for this aggressive cancer.

"It is truly inspiring that despite their own tragedy, Jo-Ann and Nick have made a huge difference to other families.”