by anna burdett

Last updated at 15:57, Friday, 11 May 2012

Two hundred cyclists hit the saddle in memory of a friend who lost her battle with motor neurone disease earlier this year.

Farmers’ Bike Ride 2012

Sunday’s annual farmers’ charity bike ride raised £3,500 in memory of Jenny Thompson, a farmer from the Walton area.

The cash will be split between Great North Air Ambulance and Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Jenny was a well-known member of the farming community who took part in the charity ride many times.

One of the organisers, farmer Steve Pattinson, said Jenny had been a great friend to many in the farming community.

Money raised last year helped to pay for new breathing equipment in the special care baby unit at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary.

The cause was chosen after Linda Story and Luke Graham’s baby Caitlin from Kirklinton was cared for in the unit after being born weighing just two pounds 10 ounces.

Caitlin took part in this year’s ride with her parents.

Mr Pattinson said: “It’s a great community event that pulls everyone together.

“It’s a great release after a busy spring for farmers calving and lambing.”

First published at 14:05, Friday, 11 May 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk