Published: 8 May 2017
Written by: Emma White
Alexis George, a 37 year mum of two from Pembrokeshire, joins our Velothon Team Breeze this year as part of our West Wales representatives; along with Sue Wright, Lorraine Langford, Sam Gregory and team leader Nia Richards.
Alexis has cycled for several years with family and friends, but as the full time Assistant Head of a Special Needs school for 3-19 year olds and mum to two boys 8 and 10, finding the time to ride frequently, has proved difficult. However in the last year Alexis has been attending rides with the Breeze Champions at her local cycling club.
“All the ladies I have ever met through Breeze have been super positive. Our local Champions are very encouraging and have a ‘can do’ attitude; supporting everyone to achieve their personal goals and most of all have fun. The Champions knowledge of safe routes and bike maintenance is very good and makes you feel safe and supported on rides.” Alexis George.
Alexis applied to join our Velothon Team Breeze to raise money for a local cause, close to her heart. Twelve years ago Alexis’ sister in law passed away from Leukaemia, at the young age of 21 years old. Much of the treatment that her sister-in-law received was unavailable in her home county of Pembrokeshire which meant travelling to and from Cardiff on a regular basis, an exhausting journey. Following her sister-in-law’s passing Alexis’ mother and father in law set up a charity, in order to raise funds to open a Cancer day unit at their local hospital, Withybush. Thanks to their hard work and the support of other local charities, the day unit is now up and running, however they still require vital funds for equipment and to extend the service, which Alexis is hoping to contribute to through completing the Velothon.
Since joining the team Alexis has continued to train with Breeze Champions in her local area, has been attending coaching sessions run by Welsh Cycling Youth Development Officer Rebecca Peart, and been on rides with the West Wales Velothon Team Breeze Leader, Nia Richards. Nia has been a Breeze Champion since March 2015, and has led over 120 rides. Last year Nia was one of three Breeze Champions who won the Welsh Cycling Award for Volunteer of the Year 2016.
The Breeze Network has been running in Wales for more than two years. A British Cycling Programme, it relies on passionate, enthusiastic female Champions, who organise and deliver fun, free, local bike rides for women on a weekly basis. To find a Breeze ride in your local area, please visit www.breezebikerides.com
If you would like to donate vital funds to the Withybush Cancer Day Unit, please visit https://www.everyclick.com/raisingfundsforcdu/info
