Gym team motor on in memory of their friend
AGROUP of gym friends carried a Nissan Juke seven miles on Saturday to raise money for St Benedict’s Hospice.
The men were raising money in memory of their fitness pal Chris Mordey, who died last month, just seven weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
The crew from the Houghton-le-Spring gym started off at the Nissan Plant in Washington and made their way through the Pattinson Industrial Estate, over Fatfield Bridge, through Penshaw and down the Station Road before heading back to the gym via Shiney Row and the A182.
Gym owner Michael Donkin said: “We believe that this is the first-ever Nissan Juke. We believe it’s the concept car to show people what it would look like before the Juke was ever put into production.
“Because of that, it is a one-piece replica – but it sits on a steel stillage. So we believe it weighs about 150 kilos, and the doors don’t open, it’s got no engine. The downside is that the wheels don’t turn either, so we have to lift it off the ground and carry it for the duration of the seven mile. We haven’t got the luxury of being able to push it.”
The group removed the wheels before setting off on their journey, and hoisted the wheel arches over their shoulders during the trek.
The group were all smiles arriving back at the gym and were greeted with a round of applause.
The team managed to smash their £1,000 target for the event by an extra £290 and many donors attached kind words to their donations, with one saying: “Fantastic effort by the gym lads – Chris would have loved it!
“A positive event from a sad situation x.”
A second, added: “You passed my door on Station Road, Penshaw, this morning and then I realised you were raising money for St Benedict’s where my husband died 12 years ago , well done to all involved,” while a third, went on: “Good luck, a cause close to my heart.”
Another, praised: “A great show of comradeship for a great cause. #supportlocal,” while a further donor, said: “What a great thing to do for a fantastic cause!! Good luck to you all x.”
After the event, Michael said: “It was hard work and the difference in height, stride and physical strength was a harder obstacle that the route and car weight in my opinion.
“We’ve exceeded the initial target for St Benedict’s and the full event honoured Chris well.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the public that cheered us on and donated, and we certainly couldn’t have done it without the support we got from CF Motoring Services, AED Medical, GL Minibuses and North East Biker Escorts. They all played a pivotal role in helping us complete the fundraiser.”
St Benedict’s Hospice & Centre for Specialist Palliative Care provides care to maintain and enhance the quality of life for people who have life threatening illnesses. The service is free, and depends on support from members of the local community like Michael and the team to help them continue their work.