TWO city friends are set to cycle the 1,000-mile John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge to raise cash for hospice care.
Former Worcestershire CCC all-rounder Gareth Andrew and Arti Fiaz will embark on the 10-day ride from John O’Groats from Tuesday (September 18).
The duo, who play for Ombersley Cricket Club, hope to raise £10,000 for St Richard’s Hospice – a charity close to their hearts.
“I unfortunately lost both parents in 2016 over a six-month period,” said Gareth.
“I am still dealing with the huge hole this left. I knew I had to do something to help others. My own personal experience has shown me just how important the care St Richard’s Hospice provides, both for end of life and their ongoing support for the families and loved ones as they go through a hugely traumatic time.”
Arti said: “As someone from a minority background, I’m keen to raise awareness within the Asian community of the tremendous support and assistance the hospice provides for service users requiring end-of-life care.
“Culturally, the responsibility has fallen on immediate family to nurse their loved ones during this difficult time – but there is an alternative environment that can help make this period easier for all involved.”
To help raise money, the friends will stop in their home city for a fund-raising night at The Anchor, Diglis, on Tuesday, September 25.
Tour manager Frank Watson will support them throughout the JOGLE challenge alongside a support van. Mr Watson has also taken on a skydive to help raise funds.
“We are both extremely excited but apprehensive as we know it’s an extremely strenuous feat, testing us physically and mentally,” Gareth added.
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thejoglebrothers or text STRH99 £2 to 70070 to make a donation.
St Richard’s has launched the Build 2020 Appeal which aims to raise the final £1.4million needed to build a bigger hospice, enabling more patients and families to be cared for in Worcestershire.
The total cost for expanding and redeveloping the existing building in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, is £5.3million.
Visit www.strichards.org.uk for more details.
