Emma takes on 24-hour charity spin challenge

23 September 2021

Things are getting in a spin for Derbyshire Police Federation member DC Emma Corby who is taking on a 24-hour static bike ride for charity in honour of her younger sister’s mother-in-law Sue Owen. 

Mother-of-one, Emma, who has been in the Force for nearly 20 years, is taking to her spin bike this Friday, to raise money for Ashgate Hospicecare, which is based in Chesterfield.

Her challenge comes after Sue lost her battle with cancer in 2019, following a collective 20-year battle with the disease. 

“I’m spinning 24 hours in total, that’s an hour for every year which Sue fought and then four more, for each of her four children, who have shown incredible strength and who I know make her proud every single day,” said Emma.

“Her fight with cancer and the ripples of her loss are felt every day by her family and friends. Despite fighting for 20 years, which was roughly a third of her life, she never moaned once. Her glass was always half full – and boy did that lady try to kick cancer’s ass.”

Emma said that Ashgate became a special place, for so many reasons, adding: “Sue was fortunate to use Ashgate and they were amazing in her final weeks – the support they provided to Sue and her family was incredible.

“Sue enjoyed the respite and found comfort and friendship while using the amazing facilities they offer. Sue looked forward to her days spent there and even became a poster girl for them, much to her delight.

“At Ashgate, Sue wasn’t just another patient, she was a person. I know that my sister and her family will forever be indebted to them for all they did.”

Having experienced support from Ashgate, Emma decided she wanted to raise money for the hospice, by spinning for an entire 24 hours.

“I have never experienced feelings as we did during those dark days, but as the light ever so slowly starts to return it makes me more determined than ever to repay and show our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Ashgate,” she explained, “And more importantly to ensure that other families going through the nightmare which cancer brings have the option of care and support as we did.

“I can’t run, so a marathon is out of the question, I’ve already done a skydive and walking mountains is what we as a family do for fun, so I needed a new challenge.

“I decided that the challenge needed to reflect the immense battle fought, so I’m climbing on my spin bike for a total of 24 hours to raise as much money as I possibly can for this wonderful cause in memory of a truly special lady.”

Emma’s challenge will be taking place this Friday (25 September) at 5pm and will finish the following evening at 5pm. Although she will be allowed to get off the bike for a 10-minute rest and toilet break every hour, her legs will be spinning at all times while she is sitting on the saddle.

“I know that completing this challenge is going to be tough, but fighting cancer is tough, which is why I’m determined to complete it and not give up,” said Emma, who has been inspired by The Body Coach, Joe Wicks, who recently embarked on his own 24-hour fundraiser for Children In Need.

“Major charity fundraising events, big and small last year, were cancelled and funding dramatically plummeted so, more than ever, every single penny matters right now.”

Emma, who is hitting the milestone age of 40 this year, has also asked that her family and friends sponsor her, rather than give her gifts.

“All I ask is that you support me in this challenge and donate all you can to this wonderful cause,” added Emma.

Emma’s 10-year-old daughter, Niamh, will also be selling homemade cakes during the event, in support of her mum.

Donate to Emma and help her raise as much as possible for Ashgate Hospicecare.