A group of Shildon cyclists recently took part in a 174 mile coast-to-coast bike ride in aid of a youngster from the town with Cystic Fibrosis.
Sixteen month-old Jenson Byrne spent four weeks in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle when he was born, and continues to attend hospital every six weeks for further treatments. He also has on-going physiotherapy at home.
The team of eight bikers – Graham Coley, Neil Franklin, John Haines, Ian McMahon, Ian Wickins, Kevin Wild, Peter Wild and Jenson’s granddad Brian Burn – were inspired by the brave toddler and hoped to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, as well as Macmillan Cancer Support.
The group began their journey at Ravenglass in Cumbria, before finishing in North Shields two days later.
They raised the fantastic sum of £6,000, which was split between the two charities.
Brian Burn, who organises the event annually, was asked why he decides to take part in such a gruelling experience. He said, “We do it because we like it, in a very strange way! But most importantly to raise funds for charities that need our money to help support people in their time of need, and for treatments to keep us all in good health for longer.”
The money was presented to the two charities at Elm Road WMC on Saturday 19th October.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
