Melksham woman to ride the length of Britain in memory of grandma

A Melksham woman is set to cycle 1,000 miles from Scotland to Cornwall in memory of her grandma, Cheryl Decarteret, who died following a collision in the town centre last year.

Lilly Charman, 21, set off on 10th June and is travelling from John O’Groats to Land’s End on a solo ride.

She is raising funds for Southmead Hospital, where Cheryl, 79, and her best friend of 60 years, Margaret Shaw, were taken after being struck by a van reversing outside Savers in Lowbourne in September.

Lilly said she chose the challenge because her grandma often used the phrase ‘get on your bike’.

“My grandma was very hard-working and very independent and she really drilled it into us that if you want something you have to work hard for it.

“Whenever we would say we wanted something she would say ‘get on your bike’, so that is why I am getting on my bike.”

She is carrying everything she needs for the journey, including a tent for wild camping, and plans to stay in a hostel every four days to charge her equipment. Lilly is aiming to complete the route in four weeks while raising funds for Southmead Hospital.

Having taken up cycling only three months ago, she will cover around 100 miles a day.

“I am a bit nervous,” Lilly said. “But it’s got to be done, so it is taking a lot of courage.”

“It is going to be really tough on some days, but I am just going to have to push through any barriers.

“I am not a cyclist but have been cycling a minimum of 70 miles a week in Melksham and around Wiltshire. Mentally it is going to be tough. On two days I would do two big cycles. I think the weather is also going to be a big challenge. Scotland is obviously very wet and I think there will be a problem with midges because I am going west.”

In May, a 25-year-old man from Melksham was charged with two counts of drug driving in connection with the collision in the town centre. The case is ongoing.

To support Lilly’s fundraiser, visit https://shorturl.at/YhcGL