A local man is cycling from London to Paris in aid of the local Hospice that cared for his wife, on the tenth anniversary of her death.
John Davey, 61, of Ipswich, is taking part in the Hospice Team 100 which will see St Elizabeth Hospice supporters pedal to Paris in September.
Mr Davey’s wife, Jo, known as Bobbie, was cared for by St Elizabeth Hospice after she was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer. She spent her last days at the Hospice in 2005 where she died aged 36.
Mr Davey said: “Bobbie found great comfort and solace during her stays on the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice and the serenity and comfort of the Hospice enabled her to maintain her incredible sense of humour to the very end which I was so proud of.
“I knew that 2015 was the 10th anniversary of losing Bobbie but it was only after the Hospice Team 100 registration night that I realised that the actual anniversary, September 18th, would fall on the day which we will be on our bikes, cycling down to Beauvais.
“Until this point, I had doubted that I could complete 300 miles in four days but I knew then that I must make it, not only to raise the funds so vital to the Hospice, but also to commemorate such an amazing personality and such big heart.”
Mr Davey has commuted from Ipswich to Felixstowe on his bike for the last few years, and with his background in playing football and running marathons, he is hoping this will help him make it through the challenge.
“Between now and September, the Hospice Team 100 is going to do a lot of bonding and the camaraderie which we will experience on this challenge will ensure that we all help each other through any tough times along the way.
“I am also hoping that the friendships made will be symbolic of everything that the Hospice is about – the support of human spirit in helping others.”
All cyclists have pledged to raise £1,850 for St Elizabeth Hospice in sponsorship, and Mr Davey is hoping that he can exceed his expectations.
He said: “I have remained eternally grateful for the Hospice and what it does, and I know how important their work is, so I want to raise as much as I can for this wonderful cause.”
There are still spaces to fill on the Hospice Team 100, so if you would like to join Mr Davey, or find out more about the challenge, come along to the Hospice Team 100 information evening on Monday 2nd March between 6.30pm – 8pm at the Education Centre, St Elizabeth Hospice, Foxhall Road, Ipswich.
You can also find out more about the Hospice Team 100 by clicking here or email team100@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or call 01473 707941.
You can sponsor Mr Davey by clicking here