330-mile cycle ride raises muchneeded funds for City Hospice
GARETH HOWELLS, general manager of Wessex Garages Nissan Cardiff is celebrating the official total of a gruelling 330-mile bicycle ride from Arizona to Las Vegas being announced – the team of three raised a staggering £15,543.
Gareth said: “Its been a month since the ‘Unite and Bike Against Cancer’ team got back, and most of their bumps and bruises have now healed. We’d like to offer a massive thank you to everyone who donated and supported us with their donations, attending a golf day or participating in any of the other events.”
The ‘Unite and Bike Against Cancer’ challenge was created to raise much-needed funds for the City Hospice, Cardiff, to make sure it can cater for the greater demands placed on its services over recent years.
To deal with these increased levels, a major expansion of its current services is needed – which means the need to raiser higher levels of income, hence the inception of this incredible event.
Gareth, along with Rob Allsopp of Fix A Dent and Matthew Church of Rebellion Group took part in the five-day challenge in October – completing their mission on Friday, October 6 having averaged 66 miles per day.
Their journey took in some famous US destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Route 66, Hoover Dam, and of course, Las Vegas!
Following completion of this incredible feat, donations continued to pour in and it is only now they have been able to finally announce that they raised more than £15,000 for City Hospice.
The team has supported City Hospice for a number of years in their professional lives, with Gareth helping raise thousands for the charity having named it the ‘Charity of the Year’ at the dealership he manages for the past three years.
Gareth explained: “It’s been fantastic raising money for such a worthy cause through Wessex Garages, and we’ve had great fun at Hadfield Road with a wide range of fundraising events, but having asked staff to get involved with all sorts over the years I thought it was time I took up the mantle and gave myself a real personal challenge. There was a lot of training required – but the experience was absolutely incredible, and the amount of money raised is just phenomenal. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team.”
City Hospice, formerly known as George Thomas Hospice Care was established in 1984 and has helped more than 24,000 patients and their families in Cardiff. It is committed to personal dignity, quality of life and the highest possible standards of care and service.
The services City Hospice provides are free of charge. It offers a number of services at its Hospice Centre based in Whitchurch Hospital grounds, however much of its work takes place in its patients’ homes.
Nicky Piper MBE, corporate fundraising and events manager for City Hospice, said: “Gareth and the team put in a fantastic effort and the money raised is very much appreciated. We’ll have to see what we can sign them up for next!”
For more information about Wessex Garages, please call the Hadfield Road Cardiff branch on 029 2034 3333 follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wessexgarages or log on to www.facebook.com/wessexgarages