Member Article

Care inspires gruelling cycle challenge

The cancer care received by his uncle and aunt inspired Stevie Foster to arrange a bike ride in support of charitable funds at Gateshead’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

And the Galliford Try site manager will be joined by three of his colleagues at the construction company on the 170 mile ‘Way of the Roses’ coast to coast ride from Morecambe in Lancashire to Bridlington in Yorkshire.

Stevie 30, Simon Maddison 44, Simon Grylls 49 and Ashley Foster 45 plan to conquer the hilly course in just two days – a real challenge as certain sections can test even the most experienced and able of cyclists, notably the exposed climb to the top of the 1,312 ft. Greenhow Hill.

The quartet will ride on 5th and 6th of September 2013. Anyone wishing to support the cause should visit http://www.justgiving.com/MrBrowellCancerResearchFund to make a donation.

The cyclist’s employer Galliford Try Partnerships North has kindly covered the cost of the van that will tour with them over the two days and The Cycle Centre in Byker has donated accessories and equipment and provided a mechanic who will support their ride.

Said Stevie: “I wanted to thank the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for the treatment my aunt and uncle – Billy and Mandy Redford – have received. I thought this route looked both challenging and stunning.”

“When I told my work colleagues about it there were instant promises of donations and the three lads all said they’d like to ride with me which is fantastic. We hope to raise around £1000 plus any donations from others who hear about the challenge.”

Billy and Mandy, from Sunderland were both diagnosed with cancer within the space of a few weeks, two years ago. Billy is now in remission, whilst Mandy is currently still undergoing treatment.

The QE Gateshead Charitable Funds is a registered charity set up by the Gateshead hospital for people who want to donate money or fundraise for the trust’s services.

It comprises a general charity, which supports a variety of work across the hospital. Individual wards and departments also have their own funds which people can donate to or raise funds for. This money is used to purchase equipment or fund research within that department, which will help to enhance the patient experience.

Lucia Hiden, head of communications, said: “Many patients and friends and family are so touched by the high quality care they have received from our staff that they want to give something back. We are extremely grateful for all donations and fundraising activity and we wish Stevie, the two Simons and Ashley every success for their ride.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .