A team of intrepid cyclists from a West Midlands hospital trust are setting off on a 143 mile bike ride – all to raise funds for a Sandwell charity.
A group of around 40 staff from Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust will be taking part in the Trust’s 2013 annual cycle ride on 5 September. Starting at Sandwell Hospital, the team will be pedalling the punishing Sustrans Route 81, taking in Wolverhampton, Albrighton and Telford, passing over the Welsh border after Shrewsbury and crossing the heart of beautiful mid-Wales through the Cambrian mountains and alongside the Elan Valley reservoirs, before finally hitting the coast at Aberystwyth.
The ride is being made to raise funds for Sandwell Women’s Aid, a local charity that offers refuge, support and counselling to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
One of the fundraisers, Dr Matthew Lewis, gastroenterology consultant at the Trust, said: “Staff at the Trust have been doing the charity bike rides for 12 years now. It’s the chance to get some fresh air and exercise, while enjoying some beautiful scenery, as well as raising some money for a good local cause. It’s also great for team-building, as we get to spend time with colleagues from other parts of the Trust.
“I’m sure the mountains in Wales will be a challenge, but we’re all looking forward to it and hope to raise as much money as possible for the charity.”
Fellow pedaller Warren Chapman, who is a nurse consultant at City Hospital’s endoscopy unit, added: “My cousin works at Sandwell Women’s Aid, so I know first-hand what great work they do in the community. All the money raised will go towards the charity’s refuge accommodation services, providing essential safe and secure support to women and children fleeing domestic violence.”
If you would like to support the intrepid cyclists, you can donate online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/swbhcharitybikeride2013 or contact Warren on 0121 507 5894.
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