A Triathlete who was hit by a car while training for a 420 mile charity bike ride will join 11 members of Ely Tri Club as they complete the challenge in her honour.
Sandie Jardine sustained serious injuries to her back, chest and ribs following the collision on June 6.
“I am really lucky to be walking – if I had hit the tarmac then it would have been a different story,” she said.
It meant that the 56-year-old nurse would not be able to take part in the Lap of Anglia ride in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance – which she had already raised more than £500 for.
However, dedicated members of Ely Tri Club – which Sandie has been a member of for seven years – said they would complete it for her with the group name of “I am Sandie”.
She explained: “For the club to come up with this idea I was totally blown away. It helps to motivate me, although I know that the recovery will take a while.
“Just to get there and see them do it will be a huge hurdle as it will mark 10-weeks post accident.
“It was incredibly tough to have my whole season taken away.
“I know that next year I will do it. It is incredible what the team are doing as they are driving me on.”
Around 11 members of Ely Tri Club will take part in the ride, wearing slogan t-shirts and badges with “I am Sandie” written on them.
Peter Vasey, from Littleport, who is club chairman said they were determined to complete the ride for her.
He explained: “When we heard of the accident we knew that she wouldn’t be fit enough for it, so I spoke to the vice chair, Laura, and we decided that we had to do it for.
“Sandie is so well-liked and respected in the club. Some of the distances she has done are incredible; she is a very driven lady.
“It will be tough as members are not used to doing these distances.
“We are used to having close shaves with traffic when on our bikes but for something like this to happen we were in complete shock.
“This meant so much to Sandie as she had been training for it for ages and raised a lot of money.
“I think it will be emotional. Bones and flesh mend but the emotional impact is harder.
“It will be great that she will be there on the day to part of it too.”
Ely Tri Club will see their group undertake the lap in 11 stages.
The ride takes place from August 8 – 11, starting in Kings Lynn and riding to Norwich, Ipswich and Luton before the final days riding back to Kings Lynn.
The Lap of Anglia has raised more than £60,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance in the past four years.
The cycle ride will last four days and encompass the area that is covered by the helicopters.
Sandie, who is from Fordham but now lives in Weeting, Norfolk, has raised more than £530 for the charity so far - surpassing her original target of £500.
Her son, 32-year-old Michael Burrell, will also be completing the challenge with Ely Cycling Club.
To donate Sandie’s cause visit: https://www.justgiving.com/sandie-jardine1
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here