Newton Poppleford newlyweds embark on charity-themed honeymoon
Debbie Wilson and Bill Holderness from Newton Poppleford before their Wedding. For the honeymoon, Bill will be cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats while Debbie will be driving their camper van, raising money for FORCE cancer charity and the Army Benevolent Fund. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref shs 8303-28-14AW. To order your copy of this photograph go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on Photo Orders - Credit: Archant
A former Army corporal who got married over the weekend is currently spending half of his honeymoon cycling 900 miles in nine days for a pair of charities.
Debbie Wilson and Bill Holderness from Newton Poppleford before their Wedding. For the honeymoon, Bill will be cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats while Debbie will be driving their camper van, raising money for FORCE cancer charity and the Army Benevolent Fund. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref shs 8289-28-14AW. To order your copy of this photograph go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on Photo Orders - Credit: Archant
Bill Holderness, 45, who lives in Newton Poppleford, wasted no time getting on his bike after marrying his partner of three years, Debbie, at Exmouth Registry Office on Saturday (July 12).
The couple, of Burrow Close, made the decision to raise money for Exeter-based Force Cancer Charity and soldier’s charity ABF by cycling from John O’Groats in Scotland to Land’s End in Cornwall.
As part of the unorthodox honeymoon, Debbie is accompanying him in a camper van and the newlyweds will camp out under the stars at the end of each day.
The pair set out on Monday and will expect to finish the mammoth cycle next Wednesday if all goes to plan.
Debbie Wilson and Bill Holderness from Newton Poppleford before their Wedding. For the honeymoon, Bill will be cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats while Debbie will be driving their camper van, raising money for FORCE cancer charity and the Army Benevolent Fund. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref shs 8288-28-14AW. To order your copy of this photograph go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on Photo Orders - Credit: Archant
Bill said: “We planned this ride two years ago when I was not cycling.
“I gave myself two years’ training and have cycled 2,200 miles this year, so I’m feeling confident.”
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As a former serviceman, Bill holds a special relationship with ABF, a charity which gives lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families.
He said: “I have never had to use the charitty before but they have helped lots of my friends and colleagues.”
The couple also have close ties with cancer charity Force, which helped support Debbie’s daughter when she was battling cancer.
She has since was walked the road to recovery and is expecting her first child.
Debbie said: “People at Force are a really friendly bunch. When you walk into their headquarters, it is like a lovely haven.”
After the cycle ride, Bill and Debbie will drive to Scotland on a camping holiday and enjoy several attractions and sights.
To donate to the couple’s ride, visit their fundraising page on Virgin Money Giving.
