Blazing a trail
TWO cyclists who rode through Europe during the summer heatwave have raised a cool £1,200 for the Garden House Hospice. Martin Rowe, from Stotfold, and friend Steve Theaker cycled from St Malo in northern France to Bilbao in Spain, covering 638 miles in e
TWO cyclists who rode through Europe during the summer heatwave have raised a cool £1,200 for the Garden House Hospice.
Martin Rowe, from Stotfold, and friend Steve Theaker cycled from St Malo in northern France to Bilbao in Spain, covering 638 miles in eight days.
The pair had hoped to raise £1,000 for the hospice, based at Gillison Close, Letchworth GC, but managed to top that figure by £200.
They chose to raise money for the hospice because Mr Rowe's father was looked after there during his long battle with cancer.
Mr Rowe said: "I am very pleased with this effort.
"The ride was pretty tough as it was carried out during the recent heatwave in Europe. Dehydration was a real problem and we were constantly running out of drinks on the way.
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"I was dogged by punctures early on and had nine in the first four days.
"I also managed to lose my cycling helmet, the bike lock, the cycle pump, a lens from my sunglasses and about half a stone as well as my marbles on one bad day on the way to Bordeaux.
"I am really grateful for the sponsorship, and it makes it all worthwhile to be able to give something back to the Garden House Hospice.
"When the days are hot and tough it makes them a lot easier knowing that I am raising money to help people who are not well enough to be out there on a bike.
"It is easy to take health for granted, so a sore bum and worn out legs soon go away after a cold drink or two.
