A TRIO of kind-hearted Vale cyclists saddled up for a gruelling coast to coast bike ride and helped raise a staggering £15,000 for a cancer charity.
The cycle team made up of Adam Flood, Paul Weetman from Evesham and Chris George took on the coast to coast challenge with 17 other keen riders over the Easter weekend and crossed the finish line with £15,750 for Delete Blood Cancer UK.
The journey went from Aberystwyth to Great Yarmouth in under four days with the money they raised going towards registering potential blood stem cell donors and will lead to lives being saved.
The cycle challenge was conceived and organised by Mr Flood after being inspired by an appeal for toddler Margot Martini last year.
“My other half was pregnant with our first child at the time, and for some reason it really struck a chord,” he said.
“I just thought crikey, that could have been our little one, I know that sounds a bit dramatic but it’s a real issue family’s have to deal with.”
Upon completing the 300 mile journey, Mr Flood said: “There were guys from all different backgrounds and walks of life but we came together over those four days through the rough weather and road closures to reach the finish line.
“There were countless injuries, punctures and bikes needing repairs but I came away with pride in all the blokes reaching the final stage.
“Even though there were times I could quite happily pull over and hop in the van you have to remember why your doing it in the first place.
“After eight to nine months of organisation I’m sad it’s all over and would do it all again tomorrow, I’m already looking on to the next challenge.” he added.
The Vale team was inspired to embark on the cycle challenge after seeing the lives saved by Delete Blood Cancer UK’s work.
For many blood cancer patients a blood stem cell donation is their only chance of survival, but many patients in the UK never find the lifesaving blood stem cell donor match they need.
Director of Communications and Donor Relations at Delete Blood Cancer UK, Deirdra Taylor said:
“All of the money they raised will go towards the registration costs of new potential lifesavers and because of the amount they have raised, this will lead to lives being saved.”
Visit https://give.everydayhero.com/uk/C2CforDBCUK to continue to support the cycle challenge and donate online.
For more information about Delete Blood Cancer UK visit www.deletebloodcancer.org.uk
Adam Flood. (s)
Adam Flood and Paul Weetman from Evesham. (S)
