Pedal pals in hospice fundraiser

Wayne Ellison, Matt Salisbury, Paul O’Neill, Eric Morecambe statue (with Halton Haven’s sock monkey), Rob Bell, Paul Tolen and Ross Clark

ACYCLE challenge by former British Touring Car Championship racer Paul O’Neill, has raised an amazing £27,647.55 in vital funds for Halton Haven Hospice.

The Grand Finale took place on Sunday, June 28 when Paul and five of his friends battled the elements to complete the challenge by cycling from the Eric Morecambe statue on Morecambe seafront back to the Hospice.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the cancellation of much loved fundraising events has left Halton Haven Hospice facing a shortfall in vital funds that allow it to provide valuable support to the local community.

Paul has been a long-time supporter of Halton Haven after it cared for his late brother and decided to try and do something to help - asking seven friends to join him on a 2,000 mile cycle ride covering the same distance as the 250 people who would have taken part in the Morecambe Bay event.

The cancelled fundraising walk across Morecambe Bay was due to take place on June 28, and it was a fitting tribute that the team completed their challenge on that day.

‘Team O’Neill’ initially aimed to raise £2,500 but that target was soon raised to £5,000; a figure that was quickly surpassed after one local resident donated that amount in its entirety.

As the ride has gone on, a number of guest riders have joined the team to complete 25 miles in support, including racing drivers Jade Edwards and Jack Goff, Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy and Paul’s sister; former Spice Girl Melanie C. Joining the team on the final day was championship winning GT driver

Rob Bell; cycling in memory of his nan who passed away in a hospice in the North East.

Alongside the Magnificent Six who rode together on the final day, Paul’s manager, Chris Hodges, cycled 75 miles in solidarity through the countryside near his home in Berkshire.

An international flavour was added when Mark Rowse, originally from Widnes, also cycled in solidarity from his home in La Tour-dePeilz to the World Cycling Centre in Aigle.

Both had already completed a leg of the challenge in support of the hospice.

Throughout the final ride, Moore Camera Club were on hand to record the cyclists as they battled the wind and rain.

Team O’Neill arrived back on home turf to a great turnout by the local community.

Everyone was able to follow their progress online with regular updates posted by Halton Haven Hospice and Paul O’Neill.

Footage from the ride, personal contributions by the riders and special messages from Paul’s mum and sister, Mel C, have been turned into a Thank You video by 29 Productions.

To view it readers can https://bit.ly/2AJVXEn.

Whilst some members of the team have personal links to the hospice, others have simply been keen to support the cause.

Paul said: “Never in our wildest dreams did I think Team O’Neill would have raised over the £5,000 target; but for the total to be £27,647.55 is mind blowing.

“It says a lot about the strength of community spirit here but also how well the hospice is thought of. visit:

“The last 75 miles from Morecambe summed up perfectly what the cause is all about – a great team effort!”

The event has been a challenging and also emotional journey.

Fundraising lead, Ann Hedley said: “The support from the local and motorsports communities who were all part of the final day has been phenomenal.

“Not only has ‘Team O’Neill’ done a fantastic job but our very own Moore Camera Club and 29 Productions have also made sure that this challenge is recorded for all to see.

“This has truly been an event that has brought people together during a very dark time in this country’s history.

“We have made lifelong friends and raised money that will support patients, families and the community during their difficult times.”

Team O’Neill and guest riders actually racked up a total of almost 3,044 miles.

Not only has the challenge raised vital funds for the hospice but it has also boosted awareness of the vital work Halton Haven carries out, and the support it has long provided to the local community.

Donations can still be made to Team O’Neill’s challenge, visit the JustGiving page at: https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/paulo-neill29 Alternatively to donate £10 Text ONEILL to 70085.

Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about Halton Haven’s work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.

If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text ONEILLNOINFO to 70085.