Bonhill supermum to cycle from London to Paris

Jul 10 2009 by Marc McLean, Lennox Herald (main ed)

ROSIE Kerr is Bonhill’s official supermum.

She is gearing up for a 470km London-Paris cycle challenge, is planning to run the 95 mile West Highland Way in 35 hours next year, and says she dreams about completing an iron man event!

On top of that, Rosie gets up at 6am and cycles 20 miles each morning – before going to work as a social worker in Alexandria.

Rosie revealed that her two boys, Ross, 16, and Ryan, 13, think she is bonkers.

“They tell me I’m not a normal mum,” laughed Rosie.

“All they ever see me in is running shoes or on my bike so they like to kid me on a lot. But they do fully support me as I’m doing it for charity.”

Macmillan Cancer Support will benefit from Rosie’s latest sponsored challenge, which involves four days of cycling in August that starts in London.

A ferry trip from Dover will then lead Rosie to Calais to begin a venture through French countryside and villages for three days until she reaches Paris.

It is an epic trip most athletes would struggle to complete, but Rosie is well prepared.

She said: “I’ve been cycling 20 miles during the week, and doing another 60-70 miles at weekends.

“I’ve been training up the Rest and Be Thankful and Aberfoyle, and I’ve got a few other routes to prepare on.

“I’ve also been getting quite a lot of inspiration from the Tour de France which started recently.”

Rosie was keen to support a cause which helps so many others, particularly as cancer affects one in three people.

She said: “I’m fortunate enough to have good health but I have friends and colleagues who have a brother or sister who have been affected by cancer.

“I am able to go out there and raise money to help others.”

Incredibly, the superfit mum only became hooked on cycling last year.

Rosie explained: “I went to America to do a charity cycle for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and that’s what gave me the bug and a real buzz for cycling.

“I’d also like to do a triathlon or iron man type event that includes a swim, cycle, and then a marathon.

“But next year I plan on doing the West Highland Way – running the 95 miles in 35 hours.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation and support Macmillan Cancer Support can contact Rosie Kerr on 01389 608161 or make a payment directly online at: www.justgiving.com/ rosiekerr1