Gearing up for hospice cycle challenge

MOST of us have known a friend or relative who has been supported through a life-limiting illness, by the Florence Nightingale Hospice in Aylesbury, but not all of them may realise that it can only function through the goodwill of donated funds. Often these funds are raised by crazy, brave, kind-hearted individuals and groups who go out of their way to challenge themselves in return for sponsorship by friends and colleagues.

The Haddenham Hillbillies with staff outside the Florence Nightingale Hospice

ON the morning of Wednesday, September 17, a group of 15 ‘Haddenham Hillbillies’ will saddle up to take on a three-day cycling challenge from Thame to Montesson, France, Thame’s twin town, in a bid to raise over £9,000 for Florence Nightingale Hospice in its 25th anniversary year.

Thame businessman, cyclist and Haddenham resident, Justin Shardlow explained: “We decided to commemorate the Hospice’s 25th anniversary by cycling 90 miles a day, for three days. Training has involved three to four weekly cycle rides taking in as many hills as possible. The route from Caen to Montesson is very hilly but having the Chilterns to train in has been a great help. Typically we ride as a group on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, plus Saturday and/or Sunday mornings.

“With the nights drawing in, our evening rides are usually about 20-25 miles. Our weekend rides are longer, usually around 50-60 miles. Some of the group also rode from Haddenham, Cambridgeshire, back to Haddenham, Oxfordshire, recently as a training exercise which was just over 100 miles in total.”

A travelling supporter bus will also be leaving Thame on the same day to cheer on the cyclists as they leave England, and on their arrival in Montesson, they will be met by a contingent from Thame, organised by the Thame & District Twinning Association. A welcome party of Montesson cyclists, dignitories and other local supporters will also be waiting to welcome the Haddenham Hillbillies to France when they arrive on the Friday evening of September 19.

Nuffield Health, Portsmouth, has kindly offered to open its doors as a ‘freshen up’ point for the challengers before they make their ferry crossing to France.

Justin added: “We’re hoping to raise £9,125 for this wonderful cause – a £1 for every day it has been open.”

If you would like to support the Haddenham Hillbillies in their fundraising efforts, please visit http://make-a-donation.org/fundraisers/haddenham-hillbillies-2014