Family set off on 165-mile journey in memory of Darlington mother Sharon Whitfield

After a long battle with breast cancer, mother-of-one Sharon Whitfield, 43, died on Sunday May 5, leaving behind her husband of 11 years and nine-year-old daughter Emily.

Husband Ivan, 44, will now lead a group of fifteen on the arduous coast to coast cycle ride to raise funds for St Teresa’s Hospice, which cared for Mrs Whitfield during her illness.

Mr Whitfield said the tough route, between Workington Quay and Hartlepool, had been deliberately chosen to reflect his wife’s determined nature.

He said: “She would be kicking us out of the house and telling us to get on our way. One thing about her is that she had incredible determination and was fierce and fiery in battling her disease.

“She was determined she would never be slowed down by it and we will not be slowed down, either. There was no question of us not going ahead with this after her death.

“We chose a particularly demanding route and fully anticipate a huge challenge. We thought our effort would go some way to reflecting her fight with cancer.”

The cyclists set off from the George and Dragon pub in Heighington where they were waved off by a large group of supporters.

To sponsor the group and raise money for St Teresa’s Hospice, visit justgiving.com/sharon-whitfield.