Newark cyclist takes on Rainbows challenge

A Newark cyclist and a group of friends, self-branded ‘Codgers Lejogers’, are taking on over 1,000 miles in two weeks to raise money for Rainbows.

On June 27, the cyclists will start their challenge at Land’s End and aim to reach John O’Groats 14 days later. Their longest day will see them ride 96 miles.

The team, made up of Steve Hall (60), Tony Ward (55), Pete Butterwick (59), Richard Whall (59) and driver Steve Hathaway (57), have already raised over £2,200 for our hospice.

Richard, of Newark, is on the Board of Trustees for our charity. He said: “I had retired from my job as the Managing Director of BCM, formerly part of Boots, and I was asked if I wanted to do this. It felt like a really good opportunity. It is going to be a very tough challenge and a lot of hard work, but we also know we will enjoy it. 

“As I am a Trustee at Rainbows, I suggested to the guys that seeing as we were doing this, we could look to raise some sponsorship for the hospice. They were all more than keen to support. We are basically five middle-aged blokes who want to give something back to life-limited children while we have ‘fun’ traversing the UK over two weeks.”

Kirsty Coxon, Rainbows Community Fundraiser, added: “What the team is taking on is an incredible feat and we will be cheering them on as they cover the miles. 

“Without our fundraisers, we wouldn’t be able to raise the necessary funds we need to care for hundreds of the region’s children with life-limited illnesses, as well as supporting their families through the most difficult of times. So we thank them from the bottom of our hearts and hope they have a smooth ride.”

To sponsor the team, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/codgers-lejogers