Epic bike ride for St Michael's Hospice (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Couple cycled more than 1,000 miles for local hospice
11:00am Wednesday 25th July 2012 in Local By Gazette reporter
Sandra and Nigel Bird
A COUPLE have raised more than £1,000 after cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.
Nigel and Sandra Bird cycled more than 1,000 miles to get to Scotland on a tandem successfully in just under two weeks. Despite the challenging roads, bad weather, ankle trouble and temporary tandem problems, the couple managed to successfully reach their destination with a day to spare.
Mr Bird, 51, said: “High points were cycling the Strawberry Line cycleway from Cheddar to Yatton, seeing amazing scenery across the country from the beautiful Wye Valley to the majestic mountains of Scotland, and meeting new people on the way.”
The couple decided to raise funds for St Michael’s Hospice because Mrs Bird works there. Dannii Bird, one of their daughters, said: “My two sisters and I, Kelly and Faye, did feel our parents were a little bit crazy for deciding to do the 1,000-mile challenge but we never doubted they would complete it successfully.
“They did so well considering the torrential rain and steep climbs. It’s for such a worthwhile cause and we are extremely proud of them.”
To contribute to the charity effort, log on to: justgiving.com/Sandrabird2012
