Earlier this year a group of fundraisers embarked on a 150 mile cycling challenge to help the care, support and activities provided at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.
On Friday 29 May, Stephanie Bird, Kevin Rumney, Rick Hallard, Bill Hocking, Nick Venables and Emma Hennessy embarked on their Coast to Coast cycle ride from Whitehaven to Tynemouth. Over the course of three days the lecturing staff from Gen2’s Department of Engineering and Energy Technology (DEET) passed through Penrith, Lazonby, Stanhope, as well as crossing the Pennines.
Stephanie Bird explained, “Over three days we cycled approximately 150 miles, taking in infamous climbs such as Hartside and Garrigill. We knew this was going to be difficult, but our motivation to support a force that is highly valued in our community helped us through, together with the opportunity to fulfil a personal feat.
“We were joined by colleagues across the route, including Paul Fairclough, John Robertson and Lisa Moore, together with Karen Fairclough and Doreen Robertson. The support team kept our spirits high with their kind words of encouragement and terrible jokes.”
The Coast to Coast cycling challenge provided the group of fundraisers with lots of memories and challenges as they raised money in aid of the local charity.
Stephanie continued, “The tough bits were the hills which certainly put us through our paces, particularly Garrigill. There was also a bleak period on the morning of the third day where we had a very windy journey through a barren landscape we nicknamed Mordor. Despite the trials, we tried to take the best from every difficulty, as every battle brought us closer to the team achieving our goal.
“The best and most memorable part was meeting the top of Hartside; this was a fantastic moment for us all. The hill didn’t end up being as tough as we’d expected and the cakes were simply fantastic.”
In July the team of fundraisers from Gen2 visited Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw to present the £2,500 raised from the Coast to Coast cycling challenge. The money raised will help the local charity to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to children and adults with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all of the patients’ family, friends and carers.
If you would like to find out how you can support Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice please visit www.evhospice.org.uk/Support-Us or call 01228 817613.
Picture: (Back Row, Left to Right) Paul Fairclough, Bill Hocking, Kevin Rumney and Neil Venables. (Front Row, Left to Right) Sue Muller (Day Hospice Nurse), Karen Fairclough, Stephanie Bird, Emma Hennessey and Dorothy Haskins (Day Hospice Nurse)
Eden Valley Hospice 