A huge crowd gathered to wave off an intrepid grandmother who is cycling around Britain in aid of charity.
Maggie Scorer, 66, set off from Aldeburgh’s Wentworth Hotel on Saturday on her 5,000 mile, six-month trip around the country’s coastline.
Maggie, from Snape, hopes to raise £25,000 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and Stillborn & Neonatal Deaths.
She is being accompanied by her faithful dog Oscar, who is being towed in a specially-built trailer, and on her first day reached Walberswick.
The grandmother-of-eight then hopes to pedal to Lowestoft, then Sheringham, Norfolk.
Maggie said: “The first day went really well, though I was surprised as it was quite hard work against the hard Arctic blast.
“As I cycled along a lot of people wound down their windows and shouted ‘Good luck Maggie’, and I had no idea who they were or how they knew me, and random people stopped and gave me a fiver, which made up for the cold wind.
“There is a long way to go yet but it is nice to get the first day done and the emotions of leaving, which are difficult. I suddenly realised I was alone against the big open road to Thorpeness, and it was cold, grey and bleak.”
Maggie has already raised almost £10,000 for her chosen charities.
She added: “A big thank you to all my supporters and helper, it is really appreciated and it will get me through the days when I am dispirited.”
Her website www.dogontour.co.uk has more information about the trip and how to make a donation. Maggie will also be providing weekly updates online.
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