Stars of hit ITV soap Emmerdale are crossing the Pennines this weekend to join 7,000 other riders at the Great Manchester Cycle.
Rik Makarem, who plays Nikhil in the show, will lead ‘Team Emmerdale’ out on Sunday to take on a 52-mile challenge.
The team are raising money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma research – a cause close to Rik’s heart.
He told MM: “Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research is known as our house charity because it is such a great cause and the work they do is amazing.
“My grandma had leukaemia but it wasn’t as devastating as some cases.
“It made me realise the trauma that other people and other families go through as it is really a major obstacle and affects not just the person with the condition but everybody that loves them.”
Team Emmerdale have earned the nickname ‘Team Unstoppable’ from their many fundraising feats and is made up of several cast members including Oldham-born Kelvin Fletcher, who plays Andy Sugden, and Jeff Hordley, better known as Cain Dingle.
Riders in the Great Manchester Cycle are able to choose to complete 13,26 or 52 miles around Manchester on roads such as the Mancunian Way, which is normally completely shut off to cyclists.
The team have chosen the hardest route, where they will be joined by Olympian cyclist Joanna Roswell.
Rik said: “The whole team have been great and we are looking forward to showing our competitive ability at the race; we have been doing sprint interval training, because that is basically what it is, a 52 mile sprint!
“The event itself is fantastic and it has such different parts to it especially round the Salford area – it’s like a Manchester Monaco!
“We did a good time last year and hopefully we will be able to stick to that time or beat it. I think the first 8 miles of the race are the crucial part for any rider- after that it’s easier!”
Team Emmerdale will be lining up at the front of the 52-mile race on Sunday, which starts at 8.30, with the 13 and 26 milers starting a few hours later.
And Rik added a heartfelt plea to his fans to donate to their cause.
He said: “I really do hope people get behind us and support this great charity and the wonderful work they do, and support us in doing the race too.
To support the team, go to http://www.justgiving.com/Team-Emmerdale
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