Friday 10 February 2012
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Cycling in memory of mum
31 March 2010
When Nick Smith’s mum, Sally, was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago he was devastated, but at the same time he was grateful for the care that she went on to receive at Sue Ryder – Thorpe Hall Hospice.
Nick said: “It was really tough seeing mum get so ill and seeing her in pain, but I was amazed how much time the nurses and doctors had for the patients and their family and friends. Nothing was ever too much trouble for them. But it wasn’t just the medical staff; all the people at Thorpe Hall Hospice including the cleaners, volunteers, and support staff were all so caring and compassionate. It’s a very special place.”
The care that Nick’s mum received during her time at Sue Ryder inspired Nick and his cousin Chris to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats in seven days and raise an amazing£2,700 in her memory. Nick then decided to take up the Ride for Ryder cycling challenge in 2007 with his dad, David. As a member of Peterborough Cycling Club Nick felt that he could go one step further and take on the huge commitment of working with the Sue Ryder fundraising team to organise 2008’s event, which was held on 14 September.
Nick said: “I really wanted to do more to help, so I spoke to Ele and Helena in undraising about getting nvolved in planning some onger routes for the event o encourage cycling clubs
to take part. This year’s event had a sportive element with stretching routes of 55 and 83 miles
and it’s great knowing that I played a part in getting that off the ground.”
With over 320 people taking part, this year’s Ride for Ryder was a fantastic success, helping to raise vital funds for the hospice. Nick added: “To anyone thinking about raising money for Sue Ryder, stop thinking and just do it! It’s a fantastic feeling to be involved in something so worthwhile and to be able to say, I did that.”
The fundraising team would like to say a massive thank you to Nick for all his time and
endless enthusiasm and to everyone who took part in this year’s Ride for Ryder – you’ve really made a difference!