An intrepid hospice supporter took on the challenge of a lifetime last month, cycling over 200 miles across Africa in aid of St Richard’s Hospice.
Between 15th and 23rd October, Ann Groves from Droitwich, joined a team of charity fundraisers taking part in the Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro Crater Cycle Ride to cycle 217 miles from the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro through national parks and the lands of the Maasai tribes in Tanzania. While in the saddle the fundraisers saw elephants and giraffes in the trees ahead and a herd of zebras which crossed the track in front of them. So far, her fundraising efforts have raised almost £2,300 to support the local hospice.
Ann’s husband, Nick, had kidney cancer and spent the last few days of his life at St Richard’s hospice. She says that the support given to Nick and the whole family was amazing, describing the atmosphere at the hospice as calm, cheerful and relaxed with all the staff making time to be there and talk whenever they were needed.
Ann described her challenge; “Some of the off road cycling I found brutal with miles of white rock followed, or preceded by soft sand which, at times necessitated walking short distances! One day we had the most beautiful cycle on hard sand through Maasai villages where we were greeted with smiles and waves from children and adults alike as they herded cattle, goats and donkeys used for collecting water.
She added; “The other cyclists were fantastic and the organisation of the trip on the ground exceptional, with guides cycling alongside us and at the front and rear. All 24 of us rode over the finish line together – an emotional ending as we remembered the different reasons we each had for taking on this challenge. This was a trip I will always remember.”
To donate to Ann’s fundraising visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ann-Groves1