FRIENDS are employing pedal power to raise cash for a charity which helps people cope with the loss of a baby.

A group of five cyclists who work for Co-op stores in the region are taking on a 43-mile round trip in Weardale, County Durham, on Saturday, July 17 for the charity Sands.

The cycle was arranged after cyclist Fay Turner’s daughter Stephanie, from Shildon, County Durham, gave birth to stillborn baby Macie earlier this year.

Ms Turner, from Westgate, Weardale, enlisted colleagues David Crisp, Angie Musgrove, Celia Thompson and Gillian Winn for the ride.

She said: “Until you have been touched by something like that it is not something that you think about.

“It was a very difficult time for Stephanie and her partner.”

The cyclists, based at different North-East stores, will set off at 9.30am from the Co-op in Crook, and will cycle through Weardale to Egglestone and back the same day.

They will be supported by a road team.

Ms Turner said she has been stunned by the support she has received, with nearly £2,000 pledged.

“It is amazing, absolutely amazing,” she said.

“Stephanie thinks I’m crazy and she can’t believe how much we have got raised so far. We tried to raise £400, but we’ve already gone over that.”

To sponsor the cyclists, visit justgiving.com/cycleformacie