Bill and Theresa Morran are taking on the St Barnabas On Yer Bike, 100km of Summer Cycling challenge to raise much needed funds for the Hospice. Not only have they smashed their £1,000 target, it has also given them a new passion!
Bill said, “In terms of the challenge and why we took it on, neither of us have ridden a bike for over 3 years. I suffer from coccyx issues and preferred to run. My knees do not allow me to run any distance these days though and Theresa has never had any real interest in cycling at all! We had been thinking about creating some space in the garage by getting rid of the cycles until we saw the 100k On Yer Bike challenge! However, we decided to sign up for the challenge together and raise some funds for St Barnabas.
“Theresa was a St Barnabas volunteer very many years ago so has seen first-hand the great work that they do and the massive comfort provided to individuals and their families at such a very difficult and sad time. I then read an article about the £1 million of lost donations/fundraising through the coronavirus and thought we had to do more. Therefore, I decided to give myself a fresh challenge and ride 500k in around six weeks and try to raise at least £1,000!
“I have to say, with my coccyx, the challenge has been tough as I find it painful to be in the saddle for too long! However, both Theresa and I have found that it is a past-time that we can both enjoy together as well. I have managed in excess of 50k at one time and Theresa 30k as well – we would never have imagined that being possible. Theresa was worried she would struggle to achieve the 100k by the end of September and has already gone well past the target!
“I have also reached the £1,000 target set, now at £1,065, and have decided to add a further 10k for every £50 of additional donations to keep the money coming in until the end of July deadline I set myself to complete the original 500k.
“We have really enjoyed exploring new places together, getting out in the countryside and having some fun together, which have all been added bonuses. In fact, rather than making space, we have now both invested in hybrid cycles in addition to the road bikes and have booked a staycation, invested in a bike rack for the car and are taking our hybrid cycles away for a cycling holiday together in a week or so!
“The On Yer Bike challenge has definitely led to us to having a new past-time that we can enjoy together, which we would never have imagined!”
Click here to view Bill’s JustGiving page.
On Yer Bike challenges supporters to cycle 100km this summer, whether that be over a day, week, month or the duration of the summer. Supporters can also take it up a level by setting their own target distance! We ask that you raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship money. To find out more information and sign up, click here.
