Workmates from a West Yorkshire firm are gearing up to cycle from coast to coast to raise money for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity.
The intrepid team of 13 cyclists, plus a large support team, from Owens Corning (a fibreglass manufacturer in Liversedge) are cycling more than 170 miles from Morecambe on the west coast to Bridlington on the east coast on 11 and 12 June. The second day of the epic journey will also see more colleagues and friends taking part in a 5KM circular hike from Bridlington to Sewerby Hall, with the walkers and cyclists expected to finish at the same time in a fanfare on North Promenade.
The colleagues decided to organise the epic fundraising event as a thank you to Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for the care a colleague’s wife, Liz Jackson, received during her successful breast cancer treatment.
Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is the charitable arm of Bradford Teaching Hospitals, and funds equipment, training, research and projects which enhance the care and treatment of patients.
Andy Fox, who has organised the event, said they had originally planned the cycle ride – known as the Sustrans Way of the Roses – in 2020, but had to cancel due to Covid-19. The team are now raring to go, he says.
“We are a very close-knit company and so we pull together and support each other through tough times,” said Andy, a Total Productive Maintenance Specialist with Owens Corning.
“It means a lot to us that we can raise money to say thank you to our NHS.
The team are busy taking part in training rides to prepare them for the Way of the Roses, which is one of the UK’s most popular cycle routes, taking cyclist along country lanes of Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Hayley Collis, Head of Fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “We’re in awe of the dedication Andy and the team at Owens Corning have shown to organise this cycle ride, which was sadly delayed due to Covid-19.
“A big thank you to Owens Corning too, for funding accommodation and cycling kit for our amazing cyclists and support team. It’s a testament to the inspirational work of our NHS doctors and nurses, who provided such superb care, that we have grateful patients, friends and family who want to raise money to say thank you.”
Visit the team’s Just Giving page to make a donation and spur them on!
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