What a difference a year makes! Alex completes gruelling ride to raise vital funds

Alex Mitchell emphatically shrugged off painful memories by completing Warrington Wolves Foundation’s ‘300 Bike Ride’ and cruising past her fundraising target.

The private client specialist at Warrington-based Watsons Solicitors saw last year’s event, titled Tour de Toon, interrupted by a serious crash that resulted in some nasty injuries.

But any pre-challenge nerves were brushed aside as Alex and her 23 fellow cyclists and support crew headed for Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, which was the venue for this season’s rugby league Magic Weekend.

The 300-mile ride started at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium, before the usual cross-Pennine adventure to the Premier League side’s ground.

Alex, who has already passed her £400 goal, said: “It was another wonderful edition of the charity fundraiser, and I was grateful to complete the ride with only some sunburn.

“I was anxious about riding the night before we were due to set-off after the events of last year, but determination coupled with an early night meant I was ready to go.

“It’s a great group to be a part of and they are all very supportive. It’s a real mix of people from ironmen triathlon competitors to someone who has had heart surgery.”

As part of this year’s trial, the team also visited every home ground of the 11 English Super League teams.

Warrington, St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Leigh Leopards, Salford Red Devils, Huddersfield Giants, and Leeds Rhinos were ticked off on day one.

The following morning kicked off with a trip to Wakefield Trinity, before pitstops at Castleford Tigers, and both Hull clubs – FC and Kingston Rovers.

Sunday featured the usual 10-mile cycle to the rugby league spectacle as the group completed almost 24 hours in the saddle, including climbing more than 11,000ft.

Alex added: “It was great to visit the grounds of the other teams in Super League, even Hull FC who beat Warrington 30-18 in Newcastle! 

“We have done really well with sponsorship, and I want to thank everyone who has supported us.”

Funds raised from the ride will go to some of the town’s most vulnerable people through the foundation’s projects, which include Offload, In the Sheds, and Inspiring Futures.

To donate, visit: https://warringtonwolvesfoundation.enthuse.com/pf/alexandra-mitchell-23502

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors each hold various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.