150 mile cycling challenge for Hospice fundraisers

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)

Family, friends and fundraisers prepare for cycling challenge @cyclethesolway

In early July hundreds of cyclists will take to the quiet and picturesque roads of the Solway Coast during a local charity’s annual fundraising event.

On Sunday 12 July, the annual Cycle the Solway event will take place to support the care and activities provided by Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. The event, which is now in its fifth year, is organised by Carlisle based company Scott Self Storage.

Hundreds of fundraising cyclists are expected to take part in the event, including Kylie Armstrong and Claire Harrison. Kylie explained, “Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw is local to Claire and I. We both have had family members that have been to the Hospice and it’s a way for us to give something back.

“Claire asked me if I wanted to take part with her and I wasn’t to be asked twice. I have recently got a new bike and it will be nice to raise money for a good cause while having a nice ride out at the same time.”

Kylie and Claire will both be taking part in the 10km family friendly route, which has been introduced for this year’s event. Cycle the Solway is a fun ride and is open to cyclist of all abilities, from the speed merchants to the family cyclists on a leisurely Sunday afternoon ride. All three routes, 100km, 50km and 10km, will begin at the Wellington Inn in Great Orton and the routes will be fully marshalled with feed stops on route.

Kylie added, “There isn’t anything that I am not looking forward to, it will be nice to be out in the countryside whatever the weather.”

If you would like to sponsor Kylie as she completes the 10km Cycle the Solway route in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw please visit www.justgiving.com/Kylie-Armstrong/

If you, your family, friends or work colleagues would like to get into gear and support Eden valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice at this year’s Cycle the Solway registration is open at www.cyclethesolway.co.uk or call Scott Self Storage on 01228 524411.

Two challenges and over 380 miles of cycling in aid of Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice @jigsawhospice

Inspired and motivated by his son, a local man will undertake two epic cycling challenges to help the care, support and activities provided at Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

On Saturday 30 May, Harvey Tye will begin his first challenge as he hopes to reach the height of Mount Everest by cycling up and down Hartside 23 times in one day. During the 24 hour challenge Harvey will complete a distance of 218 miles as he reaches the 1,904ft summit 23 times.

Harvey, who is originally from Sunderland but has lived in Carlisle for 18 years, explained, “My son, Harvey, has attended Jigsaw since he was 6 or 7 years old. He loves it there; he always has a smile on his face when we know that he is going go the Children’s Hospice. The staff are brilliant and we trust them all, they treat all of the children like they are their own.

“Jigsaw supports all of the family and by undertaking this fundraising challenge we are giving a little bit of support back. It is a local charity we know exactly where the money will go and we know the other families who the children’s hospice supports.”

Harvey will be using the Hartside challenge as a training exercise before he travels to the South of France for his second challenge on Monday 24 August. The second challenge will see Harvey cycle almost 170 miles with over 29,154ft of climbing as he cycles up and down Mont Ventoux six times in 24 hours using three different routes.

Harvey continued, “The Hartside challenge, which is known as Everesting, will be a training ride before the Mont Ventoux challenge. Everseting is known as ‘Hells 500’ and will be an intense 24 hours of cycling.

“Mont Ventoux is a Mecca for cyclists and I first became interested in the challenge after reading Tommy Simpson’s book. Tommy was the first Brit to wear the yellow jersey and he died attempting to reach the summit; after reading the book I thought that I would like to do that. I looked at organised rides on the internet and found a gentleman through Strava who has completed the 6 assents methods.”

At the time of undertaking the challenge only 79 British people had completed the 6 assents challenge and Harvey, who has cycled for a lot of years, is hoping to join the list of cyclists in his 50^th year.

“I am looking forward to getting the first challenge out of the way and making sure that all of the training, preparation and support team work correctly. I am also looking forward to getting to the South of France and getting onto Mont Ventoux, it will be great to achieve my target. I have enjoyed the training and getting out on the bike, I have been completing about 200 miles, 10,000 feet of climbing and 10 hours on the bike a week.” Explained Harvey.

The money raised by Harvey will help Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice provide care, support and activities to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all of the children and young adults’ family, friends and carers.

Both challenges will provide Harvey with the opportunity to test his cycling ability whilst raising money to support the local charity. Although the challenge will provide Harvey with lots of memories it will provided him with a wide range of challenges.

“I am least looking forward to the weather, you can plan for everything apart from the weather. If the wind is blowing in the wrong direction in the UK it can make it a hard day cycling and it can be too hot in France. Plus the weather conditions on the top of Mont Ventoux can be extreme as well. I am also not looking forward to having any mechanical problems, especially in France. In the UK I can have a spare bike and wheels but this will not be possible in France.” Continued Harvey.

Along with the support and motivation from his family and friends Harvey will be supported by Chris Brown who will be driving over 2,000 to provide support during the Mont Ventoux challenge.

Harvey concluded, “This will also be a major challenge for Chris, who volunteered to help me, as he suffered a life changing back injury while he was a passenger in a car involved in a collision. The vehicle he is driving is hand operated and the distance he will have to drive is over 2,000 miles. It is an open topped car which will offer him no protection from the elements.”

If you would like to sponsor Harvey as he raises money in aid of Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice by undertaking the two cycling challenges please visit www.justgiving.com/Harvey-tye/.

If you would like to undertake your very own cycling challenge a little bit closer to home Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice and Eden Valley Hospice are encouraging fundraisers to sign up for Cycle the Solway. The fundraising event, which included three routes 100km, 50km, and the Family Friendly 10km, is organised by Scott Self Storage and fundraisers can sign up today www.cyclethesolway.co.uk

Annual charity cycling event returns for 2015

An annual charity cycling event will return this summer, with hundreds of cyclists set to enjoy the Solway Coast as they help the care, support and activities provided at a local hospice.

On Sunday 12 July, hundreds of cyclists will take to the picturesque roads of North Cumbria for the fifth annual Cycle the Solway in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. For the first time, this year’s event will include a family friendly 10km route as well as the 100km and 50km routes.

Event organisers, Scott Self Storage, are hoping to build on the success of the previous events and attract more cyclists, fundraisers and families along to the event. Since 2011, the annual cycle ride has raised over £35,000 to support local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. The local hospice extends this care to all of the patients’ family, friends and carers.

Event organiser Stephen Scott, Scott Self Storage, said “This year we are introducing a shorter family ride with a difference. The ride will be 10km, and will be fully marshalled, with a feed station and hopefully some children’s entertainment en route.

“There will also be the 100km and 50km rides for those requiring more of a challenge. We have tweaked these routes following feedback from last year’s participants. I am assured that the sun will be shining, the wind will be a slight South Westerly, and the tide will be present. We therefore anticipate ideal conditions for a pleasant and scenic ride.”

Cycle the Solway is a fun ride open to cyclists of all abilities, from the experienced cyclists to families on a leisurely Sunday afternoon ride. All three routes will start and finish at the Border Reiver Inn, Carlisle, will be fully marshalled and include feeds stations on the route.

The very first 10km route, which will take fundraisers from Carlisle to Great Orton and back, is perfect for people of all ages looking for an enjoyable, flat and quiet cycle ride. Whilst the 50km and 100km routes will provide fundraisers with a challenge as they cycle along the Solway Coast, which will form part of this year’s Tour of Britain route.

Registration for Cycle the Solway is now open and all entry fees include insurance for the event as well as raising money for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. Entry prices for this year’s event are £28 for the 50km and 100km routes, £15 adult, £7.50 children (aged 10 to 16 years old), £40 Family (2 adults and 2 children) for the 10km route. The organisers have also included a fantastic fundraisers and club entry price of £75 and £100 respectively.

For more information about Cycle the Solway in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice please visit www.cyclethesolway.co.uk or call Scott Self Storage on 01228 524411.

Capital cycling challenge for Hospice fundraiser @daverobbo180

A fundraiser will be supporting the care provided at a local charity by joining thousands of cyclists on the start line at this year’s Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100.

On Sunday 5 August, Dave Robinson will be cycling 100 miles along the roads of London and Surrey in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, after he successfully obtained a place in the events ballot.

Dave, from Carlisle, explains “I decided to raise money for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw because it’s a well known charity close to many people’s heart and would be an easy choice for people to donate to.

“I chose to enter the Ride London ballot dreaming of getting a place but not really expecting to as it’s been an ambition of mine to do the 100 mile route that the Olympic riders took in London 2012. So when I found out I was in I thought I may as well do it for charity.”

As well as the personal challenge of completing the route, which starts at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and finishes on The Mall, the Prudential Rid London – Surrey 100 aims to become the largest charity fundraising cycling event in the world.

Dave continued, “I am most looking forward to riding through the closed streets of London and especially riding down The Mall outside of Buckingham Palace. I am least looking forward to all of the hard training I have got to do over the next 6 months, but I’m excited at the same time.”

The money raised by Dave will help Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw provide care, support and activities to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all the patients’ family, friends and carers.

To sponsor Dave as he takes on his 100 mile cycle challenge in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw please visit http://www.justgiving.com/David-Robinson48/ or you can make a donation by texting DAVO80 £5 to 70070.

If you have been inspired by Dave to get into the saddle and undertake your very own cycling fundraising challenge the local charity are encouraging people to sign up for this year’s Cycle the Solway, organised by Scott Self Storage.

For more information about the 100km, 50km and 10km routes please contact the Hospice Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 or visit http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/121954/Cycle-the-Solway

Fundraisers prepare for Hospice cycling challenge

A week after the Tour de France roars through Yorkshire, hundreds of cyclists will be taking to the picturesque roads of the Solway Coast at a local hospice’s fundraising event.

 

On Sunday 13 July, the annual Cycle the Solway event will take place to support the care and activities provided by Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. The event, which is now in its fourth year, is organised by Carlisle based company Scott Self Storage.

 

Two fundraisers who will be taking part in this year’s Cycle the Solway are Lisa McGrillis, from Scotby, and Stuart Martin, from Ayr. Stuart explains, “A family friend of Lisa’s, Steven Scott, asked if we would like to do it and we jumped at the chance. Always up for a wee challenge! We are cycling for Jane Thompson who was a wonderful woman who had amazing care at Eden Valley Hospice. Laura Thompson, Lisa’s best friend and Jane’s daughter, is going to be cycling for Eden Valley Hospice too and to support all of the amazing work they do.”

 

Lisa continued, “I am a big supporter of Eden Valley Hospice and the invaluable work they do. One of my best friends Laura and I ran the Great North Run in 2012 and we raised over £2,000 in aid of the Hospice. The support and kindness they gave the family and comfort they gave to Jane at the end of her battle with cancer was so incredible.”

 

Cycle the Solway provided the local community with a great opportunity to join Lisa and get back into the saddle and support the local hospice. The three routes, 100km, 50km and 25km, are perfect for cyclists of all abilities as they meander around the quiet, flat and picturesque roads of the Solway Coast.

 

Lisa, who has featured in the BBC Two show Hebburn and BBC One’s Inspector George Gently, continued, “I am most looking forward to the end of the race and a pint. Training has been going well, I think. I am currently on an exercise bike as I answer this question. I like to keep fit but I have never ridden a bike for 50km.”

 

Stuart, who was also in Hebburn with Lisa, added “I’d have to agree with Lisa and say that I am most looking forward to a pint at the end. I’ve just done my first cycle in preparation, 10 mile into the centre of London stuck behind big red buses and black taxis. I hope the views are prettier in the north”

 

If you, your family, friends or work colleagues would like to support the care provided by Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice by taking part in Cycle the Solway please visit www.evhospice.org.uk/cts or contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613.

Cycling brothers raise over £6,000 for local hospice

Two brothers, who cycled over 750 miles in just 10 days, have raised over £6,000 to support Eden Valley Hospice.

Earlier this year, Ian and Graham Silburn embarked on the mammoth cycling challenge in memory of their mother, Sue, who was cared for at the Hospice during her final days. Not only did Ian and Graham complete the Tower 2 Tower challenge, from the Eiffel Tower to Blackpool Tower, they continued their cycling journey north from Blackpool to Eden Valley Hospice.

Through the generosity of Ian and Graham’s family, friends and work colleagues they have raised £6,221 to support the physical and emotional care provided by Eden Valley Hospice’s dedicated team of nurses and specialist doctors.

If you would like to take on your very own fundraising challenge in aid of the Hospice please contact the Eden Valley Hospice Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 or visit www.evhospice.org.uk/events

 

Mammoth cycling challenge for Hospice fundraiser

A man from Carlisle has raised over £800 in aid of Eden Valley Hospice after he completed an incredible 600 mile cycle challenge around the British Isles.

Inspired by the courage of his friend’s mother, Donald Allan began the Three Capitals Cycle Challenge at Buckingham Palace on Saturday 25 May. During the challenge Donald was joined by Tom Wade and Brian McMillan, who were both raising money for the Blossom Rose Fund.

Donald embarked on the challenge, which took the cyclists from London to Cardiff and north to Edinburgh, to raise money for the Daryl Rankine Fund. Daryl was diagnosed with neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer and received regular treatment and support from Eden Valley Hospice’s dedicated team of nurses.

Sadly Daryl passed away after her long battle with cancer just 7 days before Donald embarked on the 6 day challenge. Daryl, from Upperby, had requested that the money raised from the cycling challenge should be donated to Eden Valley Hospice to help and support others like herself.

Donald said, “Daryl Rankine was a cracking woman, strong, kind and generous and the mother of one of my oldest pals. I set up the fund in her name as an example of her personal strength and perseverance. She felt strongly about the great work and support they provide at Eden Valley Hospice, so nominated it as her chosen charity for all the challenge proceeds. I feel grateful that I could do my part for Daryl, her family and the great cause she chose.”

During the challenge the group overcame a number of mechanical problems, cycled through glorious sunshine and days of rain as they completed the 600 mile challenge across Britain. Donald raised a fantastic £860 to support the physical and emotional care provided by Eden Valley Hospice to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses.

Can you get into the saddle and support Eden Valley Hospice? On Sunday 29 September hundreds of cyclists will take part in Cycle the Solway and raise money for the Hospice. For more information or to sign up for the event contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 or visit www.evhospice.org.uk/cts

Picture: (Left to Right) Brenda Kidd, Brenda Owen (both Eden Valley Hospice nurses) and Donald Allan

 

750 mile cycle challenge for Hospice fundraisers

Two brothers will cycle over 750 miles in just 10 days to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of their mother’s death and to support Eden Valley Hospice.

In 2003, Sue Silburn was cared for at Eden Valley Hospice during her final days and now to mark the anniversary her sons will cycle from the Eiffel Tower to Blackpool Tower in aid of the local hospice. For Ian and Graham the challenge will not end in Blackpool as they will continue the journey north to the Hospice in Carlisle.

Ian explains, “Sadly it is now 10 years since we lost our amazing mum Sue to cancer. We wanted to mark this significant anniversary by doing something positive in her memory. The Hospice provided fantastic care in her final days and comfort to our family at a very difficult time. We were really keen to raise funds for them so that they can help other families like ours.”

This Sunday Ian and Graham will depart Paris and embark on the ten day challenge. The route will see the brothers cycling for 2 and a half days through France before a short ferry crossing and over 7 days of cycling from Dover to Carlisle. During the unsupported challenge the brothers will carry all of their own spares, water and clothing as they raise money for Eden Valley Hospice.

Graham added, “The training has been going well but the prospect of riding 70 or 80 miles each day back to back on roads we don’t know is, I have to admit, a little daunting. I am excited to begin what will be an amazing challenge and I am looking forward to seeing the familiar faces of friends and family when we get to Blackpool and Carlisle. We have already been blown away by everyone’s support and their kind words about mum and this will definitely help spur us on.”

Initially Ian and Graham hoped to raise £2,000 for Eden Valley Hospice but the generosity of family, friends and the local community has already seen the brothers exceed this target. If you would like to sponsor Ian and Graham as they take on this fantastic challenge visit www.justgiving.com and search for Ian Silburn.

Can you get into the saddle and support Eden Valley Hospice? On Sunday 29 September hundreds of cyclists will take to the quiet, country roads of the Solway Coast and raise money for the Hospice at the annual Cycle the Solway event. To sign up for Cycle the Solway contact the Fundraising Team or visit www.evhospice.org.uk/cts

Pictures: Please find attached a picture of Ian and Graham Silburn preparing for the cycle ride