Piggy March to cycle 1,000km in memory of sister-in-law

Piggy March and her husband will be part of a team of eventing riders to cycle 1,100km from Scotland to London in memory of Caroline March. 

Caroline ended her life in Switzerland earlier this year after an accident during a horseriding cross-country event at Burnham Market in 2022.

Caroline March ended her life earlier this year in Switzerland (Image: Caroline March/Facebook) The fall had resulted in fractured vertebrae and left Caroline, an avid horse eventer, paralysed from the waist down.

Piggy, who is from North Elmham near Dereham and now lives in Northamptonshire, said that although many people rallied to support Caroline, she struggled to adapt and decided to travel to Switzerland to end her life at the age of 31.

She added Caroline's death was "heartbreaking"

Piggy and her husband, Tom March - Caroline's brother - want to help other injured sportspeople and raise funds for spinal research.

Mr March said after his sister told him and her family she wanted to end her life it was an "incredibly tough time".

The couple hopes to raise £500,000 for Spinal Research and the British Eventing Support Trust in their cross-country cycle.

Piggy March wants to help those living with spinal cord injuries (Image: Jason Bax) The challenge, Cycling for Caroline, will see the team start at Blair Castle in Perthshire and make their way to the Savoy Hotel in London - some 1,100km south - by November 30.

Although they are excited for the journey ahead, it comes as weather across the country has taken a chilly turn.

Mr March said: "For a team of nine non-cyclists, this is going to be a huge challenge.

The team will make their way to the Savoy in London by November 30 (Image: Jason Bax) "We've all been looking at the weather over the next few days and there's a good reason why people don't go on ridiculous cycle challenges from Scotland at the end of November." 

The team will begin their quest today.