Two of Derby Active’s Health and Wellbeing Advisors have smashed their fundraising target to raise £1,925 in a 12-hour static bike challenge to raise money for NHS Charities Together, Treetops Hospice and the Macmillan Unit at Royal Derby Hospital.
Helen Treece, from Springwood Leisure Centre, and Steve Summers, from Derby Arena, cycled non-stop at their homes from 7am to 7pm on Sunday 26th April, replicating the shift hours of frontline NHS staff members. Both of them led live indoor cycling sessions during the event, so supporters with a static bike or turbo trainer could join them for part of their shift.
Helen cycled on her driveway, coned off to keep to safe social distancing limits, while Steve took over his conservatory for the day.
Afterwards, Helen said:
I had an epic day. The community support was brilliant. My neighbour’s little girl even made me a banner. Times are hard for everybody and there’s been a lot of fundraising going on, so the fact that people have dug deep means a lot. A great big thank you to everyone.
Steve added:
I’m absolutely overwhelmed and blown away by the generosity of people at this time. To donate so much is just fantastic.
Councillor Robin Wood, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said:
Well done Helen and Steve. I am very proud of them for thinking of staff working in health care at this critical time, and for the support and backing they’ve had from their own Derby Active colleagues, families and friends. It shows great teamwork.
It is not too late to make a donation, as Helen and Steve’s Go Fund Me page is still open.