Two women from Coalpit Heath have embarked on a mammoth bike ride to Edinburgh to raise money for a charity close to their hearts, SANDS, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.

Emma Steele's old school friend Zoe was informed just three days before her due date that her baby had died.

Two days later, baby Beatrice was born.

“I was devastated to hear that Beatrice had died," Emma said.

"I was lost for words for my friend Zoe and I felt there was nothing I could do to make the situation better.

"I wanted to do something to help, which is why Helen and I came up with the idea of a sponsored cycling challenge to raise money for Sands.

“As Beatrice didn’t come home with Zoe and her husband Rory, the charity Sands, helped to ensure they had memories of their daughter.

"They provided Zoe and Rory with a memory box, which included Beatrice’s hand and footprints and photographs.

"Sands also provided much needed emotional and practical support to Zoe and Rory which is why we wanted to raise funds for the charity.”

Zoe had recently moved to Scotland and so both Emma and Helen thought it would be a good idea to take on the 420-mile bike ride there and whilst not experienced cyclists, the pair have been working hard in training.

The pair have been out five times a week, building up mileage for the rides ahead. They start today and are expected to arrive in Scotland in two days time.

“Emma and I thought what better way to convey support than to raise much-needed funds for Sands by taking on an enduring and challenging journey," Helen added.

"We hope the funds we raise will enable Sands to continue to support other families at an absolutely devastating time for them.

“As a mother of three myself, I’ve joined forces with Emma to offer everything I’ve got to ensure she succeeds in her aim of cycling from Bristol to Edinburgh.”

Emma started cycling just one year ago and Helen only two and a half years ago, so the pair are not experienced cyclists, but rather hobby cyclists who are passionate about raising funds for Sands.

To sponsor Emma and Helen click

here

.

You can also support Helen's Gofundme page

here

.