Mel C’s brother to the rescue of Halton Haven
HALTON Haven looks like it has avoided financial disaster amid the coronavirus pandemic after a touring car driver’s incredible charity cycling challenge raised more than £20,000 – nearly 10 times his initial target.
Paul O’Neill, of Widnes, launched the massive fundraising effort when he learned of the dire financial pressures facing the hospice due to its shops having to shut and fundraising activities cancelled.
Drawing on support from around the North West and beyond including Switzerland, Paul rallied a team of riders who between them cycled 2,000 miles in 77 days.
The distance was the same that was supposed to be covered by 250 participants in Halton Haven’s annual Morecambe walk.
Backed by celebrities from the motorsport world, the last leg had begin by Friday, June 19, and was already nearing £25,000 raised for the hospice – 10 times Paul’s original target of £2,500.
After initially raising the target to £5,000, Team O’Neill smashed that target when a resident donated that figure in its entirety.
The total had surpassed £21,000 at time of writing on Monday, June 22.
Paul, whose brother was looked after by Halton Haven during his final days, was due to be joined by GT driver Rob Bell – who is raising cash for a hospice in the North East in memory of his grandmother – and others for the challenge’s grand finale.
Guest riders along the way including racing drivers Jade Edwards and Jack Goff, Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy and Paul’s sister, former Spice Girl Mel C. TV commentator Steve Rider also auctioned some of his most prized possessions from a long broadcasting career to boost funds.
While some members of the team have personal links to the hospice, others have simply been keen to support the cause, with the amount raised now nearing £25,000.
Rob is cycling in memory of his mum who passed away in a hospice in the North East.
Mark Rowse, originally from Widnes but now living in Switzerland, was to complete the Union Cycliste Internationale at the same time as the team complete the final leg in the UK. Mark is riding in memory of his mother who also used the services of Halton Haven.
Residents and supporters are invited to applaud Paul and other fundraisers as they finish the final leg en route to the hospice, in Murdishaw, Runcorn, while observing safe social distancing.
This was expected to take place at around 4pm on Sunday, June 28.
Paul said: “As the final leg starts it really has been an incredible journey for everyone involved.
“We set out to raise what we could for the hospice but the by-product of this has been new friendships, community spirit and love.
“Let’s give it the final it deserves.”
Ann Hedley, Halton Haven’s fundraising manager, said the event has been a challenging and emotional journey.
She said: “Paul and the team have done an amazing job.
“The Halton community and the motorsports community have truly come together to raise almost £25,000.
“That’s an incredible amount of money for us.
“We’re a small charity and this is actually a game changer for us.
“I can’t thank them enough.”
To donate, visit www. justgiving.com and search for ‘Team O’Neill’s Challenge!’
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