Over £1,150 has been raised for St Elizabeth Hospice by Heather Carmichael from Bramford and Vivienne Woodgate from Ipswich after they completed the 150 mile Hadrian’s Wall Cycle Challenge in memory of their friend Delia Hammerton who received care from the hospice until her death last year.
Starting from Whitehaven in Cumbria on 13th August, Heather and Vivienne cycled coast to coast arriving in Tynemouth on Tyneside three days later, after following the cycle route that took them along the historic Hadrian’s Wall passing through the Solway Firth, Carlisle and Hexham.
In September 2020 Heather and Vivienne decided to take on the challenge in aid of the hospice which provided support to their friend, of more than 30 years, Delia Hammerton and her family before her death from cancer in March 2020.
“We chose this challenge as it was offered by a cycle company, Cycle Active, who helped organise the logistics whilst allowing us to cycle independently and self-navigate,” explained Heather.
“In her younger days Delia had cycled from Land’s End to John o’ Groats and she was also a keen runner with Ipswich JAFFA completing the London Marathon, so we felt this challenge was a fitting tribute to Delia.
“St Elizabeth Hospice provided such wonderful support to Delia, her partner Tony and her family during a very difficult time in their lives, so to be able to raise such a brilliant sum for the hospice is very special and we are both extremely grateful to all who have supported our fundraising.”
Joanne Rodger, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “On behalf of the whole hospice family, I want to say a big ‘thank you’ and ‘congratulations’ to Heather and Vivienne on completing their cycling challenge and raising a fantastic amount for the hospice.
“This money will make a great difference in helping the hospice team continue to deliver its vital services to patients and their families across the region.
“As an independent charity, we rely on the generosity of the local community, and people like Heather and Vivienne to enable us to continue to provide our free services as well as develop and expand our support to help many more patients and families in our local community who need our services during difficult times in their lives.”
To donate towards Heather and Vivienne’s challenge visit uk.gofundme.com/f/hadrians-wall-c-to-c-cycle-challenge