by Alice Scarsi
Mike and Shane will cycle from Liverpool to Hull for a good reason
Employees from Coachman Caravans will be downing tools and hitting the road later this month to take part in a 154-mile sponsored cycle to raise funds and awareness for a local charity.
Mike Smith and Shane Farrah, who work on the firm’s production line, will be cycling from Liverpool to Hull, where the leading caravan manufacturer is based, on 23-24 May in aid of Abbie’s Fund, a local aid organisation which provides moral support to parents who have lost their babies at the maternity unit at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital, providing them with memory boxes.
The sponsored cycle for such a worthwhile cause touches directly with the Coachman team, with the challenge being organised by Mike’s nephew, Martin – someone who is well aware of the importance of the psychological support needed by parents at such a difficult time. Martin’s daughter, Darcie-Mae, was born sleeping on 7 November 2014.
The cycle will commence on Saturday 23 May at Anfield football stadium, home to Liverpool FC, and is planned to finish at the KC Stadium on Sunday 24, just before Hull City’s last match of the season kicks off.
The duo will be supported on the road by fellow employee Kev Smith, who will drive a van provided by Coachman.
Mike spoke of the charity cycle, saying: “In the UK, 17 babies are stillborn or die soon after birth every day and it’s a devastating and life-changing event for the families concerned.
“For Paul and Katy Cowell, who set up Abbie’s Fund in memory of their daughter, the terrible experience was made a little easier by the care and support from the midwifery staff at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital, which is why they wanted to give something back,” he continued.
So far, the team has raised around £1,500, but is looking to increase this amount, as Mike adds: “Supporting Martin with this event is a fantastic way to help make a difference to other families who tragically lose a baby to stillbirth or neonatal death. We are encouraging people to sponsor us and help out this incredibly worthy cause.”
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
To sponsor Mike and Shane, visit the Abbie’s Fund website here and click on the ‘Donate now’ link.
