Friday 4th October 2013 – 4.30pm – Suzie Fothergill.
A cycle team from West Midlands Ambulance Service have finally completed a 940 mile cycle challenge helping to raise over £6,000 towards a specialist vest.
The team which was made up of paramedics and technicians predominately based at Lichfield Ambulance Station cycled a massive 90-115 miles each day, for 11 days straight, to try and raise vital funds in order to buy a physio vest* for friend and colleague Steve Roberts’ son, Fin, who has cystic fibrosis.
The team began the challenge on Monday 9th September in John O’Groats, where they battled their way through all weathers, aches, pains, punctures and even a few sheep on the way before finally arriving safely at Lands End on the Thursday 19th September!
Technician, Katie Maughan, who drove the support vehicle during the challenge said: “It was a very hard and challenging time for the guys, with a lot of rain, wind and steep terrain on some days but they ploughed through. There were quite a few punctures and a lot of aching legs and sore bottoms!
“The team received excellent support from a number of business sponsors** as well as many generous donations from friends and work colleagues.
“We were also supported by a number of friendly faces during the journey. Staff from Fort William Ambulance Station in Scotland cycled with the team into Fort William. On nearing Staffordshire, WMAS ambulance staff and Uttoxeter cycle club members joined the ride through Buxton and Uttoxeter. Ian Stroud from Charles Design, who kindly printed and supplied the team with cycling shirts, met us in Bridgnorth and sponsor, Chris Doorbeejah from Energy Excel, joined the team in the support vehicle between Bristol to Lands Ends.
“Although tough, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and we are all really pleased to have managed to raise so much money, which can be put towards the £8,000 vest for Fin.”
Steve Roberts, Fin’s dad and WMAS Clinical Team Mentor said: “We’re over the moon with the support that we have received to try and raise the funds to enable us to get a physio vest for Fin, who has recently been quite unwell with his cystic fibrosis.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the team for all their efforts, it really is greatly appreciated.
“As well as the support from the cycle team, we have had received a great deal of help from the Little Treasures Children’s Trust who have helped us to provide a fantastic standard of treatment for Fin.”
Anyone wishing to give a donation to help the team achieve their £8,000 target can do so by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/joglefin/
Ends
Notes to editors
*The vest is made out of soft, flexible material and is connected to a small air compressor machine. The machine delivers burst of air into the vest rapidly inflating and deflating, which created gentle pressure and vibration on the chest helping to break up mucus and bring it up the upper air ways where it can be removed.
** Business Sponsors including:
• Tempest Ford
• Charles Designs
• Energy Excel
• Freedom Cycle
• Scot Rail
• Rock 34
• Burton FC
• St Georges Park