Colleagues Ian and Gavin from Concorde Technology Group recently took on the tough challenge of cycling 95 miles (including 5017 ft of climbing!) to raise vital funds for the Hospice. We recently spoke to Ian about their challenge and motivations for taking it on for us.
Thank you so much for supporting St Gemma’s Hospice with your bike ride, why is fundraising for the Hospice important to you?
I lost my father to cancer a few years back and in the last few months of his life we were unable to secure a bed for him at the local hospice. He lived out his final weeks in a ward at the local general hospital, which is not what anybody really deserves. Hospices across the UK play such an important role in our society, and the fact that they rely so heavily on charitable donations in order to keep functioning is nothing short of criminal! Concorde chose St Gemma’s as their charity for this year and as much I have not had a need to use the facilities at St Gemma’s for any of my family, I see the need to support the hospices around you as much as we can.
How was the ride?
The weather gods were a little too kind and the sun was definitely cracking the flags!!
We rode through some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable, passing old abbeys and tin mines and stunning rolling hills and moors. We set off at an almighty pace and in great spirits after a right royal send off.
As the sun got up as well as the roads that pace slowed to essentially a grinding halt at Rosedale Chimney Bank. I have no shame on saying, that I had to step off the bike when the road hit 30% gradient. We hopped back on after we got past that part and made it to the top of the climb.
Fizzy cola bottles and ice cream kept our spirits high and after 6 hours and 40 minutes of moving time we rolled back in to York.
We couldn’t ask for a better day and massive thanks to all the team Sportive HQ for plying us with food, drink, mechanical support, medical support and encouragement.
Can people still support you?
Yes, via our Justgiving page. We’re already at £601 and counting but anyone can follow the link and donate whatever they can.
If you’d like to take on your own challenge to raise vital funds for St Gemma’s Hospice, email fundraising@st-gemma.co.uk.