Friday 10 February 2012
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Pedal power for local hospice
31 March 2010
Local man, Mick Booker had a crazy idea in his head to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats and when he mentioned it to his wife she suggested that he did it to raise funds for Sue Ryder – Thorpe Hall Hospice. She had been born at Thorpe Hall when it was a maternity unit and they both thought it was a very worthwhile local charity.
Mick mentioned it to a few of his friends but the only one ‘madcap’ enough to say he would join him was Andy Gooch. Andy had a different reason for taking part and wanted to raise funds for a Leukaemia charity in memory of his brother in law.
They were sent off with resounding cheers from Mick’s mum and dad at Land’s End and cycled a total of 1030 miles in 10 days. They averaged about 90 miles a day although one tough day they cycled 115 miles.
Along the route they were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of total strangers who either came up to them and gave a donation or gave them free evening meals or free drinks in pubs along the way.
Mick and Andy said it was a ‘blast’ and the whole experience was ‘awesome’. They were fortunate not to have any punctures or cycle problems throughout their challenge!
At the end of their 10 day journey they reached the welcome sight of John O’Groats and were surprised to see Mick’s parents there to greet them with a well deserved glass of chilled champagne.
Local fundraiser, Julie Laithwaite said ‘I was delighted to receive Mick’s wonderful donation of £923.00 He put a lot of hard work and effort into completing this challenge and he should be very proud of his achievement. All the money he has raised will help to make a positive difference to everyone we care for here’.