Eugene’s epic bike ride in memory of trio
A KEEN fundraiser and seasoned cyclist is well on his way to raising £5,000 for Rowans Hospice in his mission to cycle the length of Great Britain.
Eugene Scardifield has already raised £2,800 as he prepares for an 1,000-mile bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats over 13 days in the memory of three friends’ mums cared for by Rowans Hospice.
The cycle, from July 31 to August 12, has seen a huge outpouring of support from the community, already raising £2,800 and with six weeks still to go Eugene has set a target of £5000.
Eugene, from Waterloo ville, grew upon Hay ling Island with three friends who lived on the same estate, who’s mums have all passed away from cancer.
Eugene said: ‘Unfortunately all of their mums lost their battles with cancer, but they all received really great care from Rowans.
‘I wanted to do something in their memory, but at the same time raise funds for Rowans Hospice.’
The 43-year-old author is well acquainted with testing his limits, having previously completed a 226-mile bike ride and raising over £11,000 for Samm (Support after Murder or Manslaughter) after his brother, Michael Scardifield, was murdered in 2015.
He said: ‘When you have a loved one pass away, one of your biggest fears is them being forgotten so doing this sort of thing keeps their memory alive. They were all wonderful women who had a impact on my life growing up, that’s for sure.’
Each day of the cycle will be sponsored by 13 different local businesses, including three of the days dedicated to each of the three women and a business close to them and their family, Gloria Holden, Lesley March and Venita Balls.