Le Tour de Centres 2010
On Friday 24th September 2010 a small team from new Barn and Paul Thatcher set out to try and ride from Chislehurst (London office) to all of the Families for Children offices, ending in Southampton. Ben Jordan joined us on the first day for a mighty fine effort of 55 miles and then the remaining three went on with Paul Thatcher, Maria Syred and Liz Barnes succeeding in the total distance of about 155 miles over the two days. The roads were busy and there seemed to be more uphill than downhill but the sun shone for us on the Saturday and we were determined to make it.
All along we were cheered and clapped by our very own support team of Sarah Willbridge and Tia who followed us in a car the entire time making sure we were all okay and all our needs were met. At each centre, staff were brilliant, greeting us with encouragement and food, often scrumptious cakes and tea! We were cheered on to the end which was hugely appreciated and at times very much needed!
When we finally got to Southampton on Saturday afternoon Steve Bailey and staff from the Southampton office were there to greet us with representatives from the charity Spreading Health and a bottle of bubbly.
It was an amazing adventure, one that I felt very privileged to be part of. We wanted to raise money for Spreading Health, (www.spreadinghealth.org) a small charity that trains health workers in Cameroon. Once they are retained they can remain in their local village and provide essential life saving care to their community. The other half of the money has gone to the Rocking Horse Appeal (www.rockinghorse.org.uk).
If you haven’t yet please sponsor us at:
http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=325003 or ring Liz on 01273 850150.
Well done team and thanks to everyone that helped. And big thanks to the board for your support in helping us achieve our dream and for the champers!