UCLan PaST Lecturer Mandy Dunbar is set to take part in a unique charity roller-skating challenge.Mandy will join her teammates from the Preston Roller Girls in an attempt to skate the distance between Land's End and John O'Groats to raise money for St Catherine's Hospice and Preston's Space Centre.
The club has set themselves the challenge of skating 874 miles around UCLan Sports Arena cycle track in just one day. Splitting the distance between the members taking part, it means each Roller Girl will skate approximately 30 miles at the event, which takes place on Saturday May 17th.
Mandy, who goes by the skater name Mandible Lecture, said: "We took part in a skater marathon last year and everyone really enjoyed it - we wanted to do something similar this year and after a discussion decided the distance between Land's End and John O'Groats was a suitably tough challenge which people would recognise and relate to.
"We were very keen that the event supported two local charities - as a group we've developed a lot in recent years and wouldn't have been able to do that without the great support of people locally, so wanted this to be our way of giving something back.
"We asked for nominations from members and compiled a short-list - St Catherine's and Space Centre came out with the most votes. It was clear that a lot of our team had been touched by the work of the hospice through the experiences of family and friends."
Mandy admitted the challenge was going to be 'tough' - but said their team spirit and motivation to succeed for the charities involved would keep them going.
"The distance involved is a little daunting!" she said. "But we're all very excited and will urge each other on and help each other out. The more experienced skaters will probably end up covering a bit more, but between us we'll get there! There's bound to be a few wobbly legs that evening, but it should be a fantastic day and it will all be worthwhile.
"Roller Derby is a very athletic, tough sport - people call it 'rugby on roller-skates!' We all love the physicality and the inclusivity of it, with everyone playing their different role within the team. We know this team spirit will come into play on the day and should help us raise vital funds for two great local causes."Emma Jacovelli, fundraiser at St Catherine's Hospice, praised the team for their unusual stunt, and said: "Our wonderful supporters do all sorts of fun sponsored events in aid of the hospice - a sponsored skate on this scale is certainly one of the more unusual challenges!
"We're so grateful to the Preston Roller Girls for taking this on in aid of the hospice and wish them lots of luck on the day. The funds raised will help us deliver our specialised care and support to those affected by life-shortening conditions in Central Lancashire - helping them to enjoy quality of life, and have dignity in death."
For more details of how to sponsor the Preston Roller Girls for the challenge please click here.
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