THE charity partner for Yorkshire’s Grand Départ visit this July is encouraging people to get on board and help their fundraising efforts in the run-up to the momentous event.

Marie Curie, the official charity partner for the Tour de France’s visit to the county, is staging its own “Grand Départ” ahead of the race and wants people to help the fundraising efforts.

Jane Collins, the charity’s chief executive, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of history and get involved in an event that people will always remember. We want as many people as possible to do something extraordinary to raise money for Marie Curie.

“Even if you’re not a cyclist, there are so many ways for you to get involved. This is your chance to make it an occasion to remember and really get the community involved. You can help make a difference and raise much-needed funds.”

The charity is suggesting a number of ways people can get involved and has taken inspiration from the icons of Le Tour:

• Go cycling – hold your own Tour party, organise a cycling tour, take part in our cycle to work week or contact your local gym and see if they would like to hold a static cycle or sponsored spin class

• Go yellow – have a day at work or school where everyone wears yellow, or hold a bake sale where everything you make is yellow

• Go French – hold a French-themed dinner party or a French-themed sports day.

For a Grand Départ fundraising pack visit mariecurie.org.uk/tourdefrance