A group of thirteen local businessmen have completed an epic cycle challenge to raise money for Piam Brown children’s cancer unit at Southampton General Hospital.
The dedicated team set out from St Bees Head, Cumbria in North West England, to cycle across the Lake District, the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors, to reach Robin Hood’s Bay in the North East. Headed by Stephen Collins, the team completed the challenge in just five days, all to raise money for the unit where Stephen’s daughter was treated for bone cancer.
Stephen, an ex-pupil of St. Mary’s College said, “My teenage daughter Emily was very ill with bone cancer and my son Andrew and I were keen to raise money for Piam Brown, the ward where she received such excellent care.”
Despite cuts and bruises and a trip to the local emergency department for one team member, the team crossed the finish line after a gruelling 230 miles in the saddle.
Stephen added, “It may have been tough for us, but it was nowhere near as tough as it is for those brave little children, some as young as few days old, battling against cancer on the Piam Brown unit.
“We will never forget the generosity, kindness and encouragement we have received from everyone who has supported and sponsored us. Whilst we all enjoyed riding our mountain bikes, our aim as always, was to raise as much money as we could for this great cause.”
Money raised from the challenge will go to Southampton Hospital Charity’s Piam Brown Ward Fund to benefit patients and their families on the specialist regional unit which treats children with all types of childhood cancers, caring for patients from a day old to 16 years of age.
The team previously raised over £13,000 when they rode the infamous Sarn Helen Trail last summer and hope to raise £25,000 in total from their challenges.
Sponsor the team.
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Posted on Wednesday 10 August 2011