For the very first time in the charity’s history, the Isle of Wight played host to one of Action Medical Research’s ‘Race the Sun’ team challenges.
Action Medical Research is a UK-wide children’s charity which funds desperately needed research to tackle the diseases that devastate the lives of so many of our children. It organises and hosts a number of fundraising events across the UK, including the ‘RTS’ series which also run in the Brecon Beacons and Lake District. A total of 49 teams took part on Saturday (8 July) and they are on track to collectively raise a total of more than £60,000.
Events Marketing Manager for Action Gina Campbell said: “That’s an absolutely amazing figure. We were so looking forward to holding this event in the Isle of Wight for the first time and the weather and the scenery helped make it a day to remember. It’s a really intense challenge but everyone looked so positive and upbeat throughout! The teams’ training, perseverance and fundraising really paid off and their efforts really do make such a huge difference to us. Thank you!”
Teams of four started at minute intervals from 6am on the Saturday morning with a 25 mile cycle ride to New Battery. From there, it was a 12 mile trek along the Tennyson Trail before cycling 19 miles to the River Medina and then completing the course with a 1.5km canoe.
And the bragging rights went to Bishopsgate NORTH.
Team captain of Bishopsgate South Tim Bloch said” The Northern team beat the Southern team by a matter of seconds in a keenly fought internal race within an environment of supportive camaraderie” Yeah right! Debbie Goy, from the victorious Bishopsgate team put it slightly differently. “I was really surprised just how well we all did – not that I had low expectations of us – but to be 2nd/3rd in the mixed teams was an amazing result” She added, “It was a really well organised event with some stunning scenery. All of us were absolutely shattered but it was worth it! Beautiful views, great team work and an enormous sense of achievement at the end and all for a worthy cause too.” Or as Nathan put it, “Although The Isle of Wight is small, it’s still really hilly” And Debbies highlight, “– Finishing the cycling together as a team …..In front of the Bishopsgate B (South) team
Gina Campbell, Events Marketing Manager added, “We are extremely grateful to the two teams from Bishopsgate who raised a fantastic amount of £5137, well above their target of £3900! This money will make a huge difference to the lives of sick and disabled babies and children.
If you would like to join us in supporting Action Medical Research, please click on the link www.action.org.uk/sponsor/Bishopsgate. Alternatively, please send a cheque made payable to Action Medical Research to Tim Bloch at Bishopsgate, Interface, Unit A, Technology Drive, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, SN4 8SY
Action Medical Research
Action Medical Research has been funding medical breakthroughs since it began in 1952 including helping to introduce the first polio vaccines in the UK, developing the use of ultrasound in pregnancy and testing the rubella vaccine. The charity is currently funding research into conditions including asthma, prematurity, epilepsy, meningitis, cerebral palsy, brain cancer and some rare and distressing conditions.
