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READY to ride ... Lauren Jones and Stephen Pickles saddle up for Springhill Hospice.
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Lauren pedals her way to cash
19/ 7/2008
MEDICAL student Lauren Jones got on her bike and cycled all the way to Blackpool for the Observer’s ‘Can You Spare A Minute’ appeal.
As a volunteer at Springhill Hospice, the 19-year-old knows just what a difference it makes to patients and their families.
That’s why the former Bury Grammar School pupil, who has just finished her first year at Nottingham University, decided to do the Manchester-to-Blackpool bike challenge.
Our aim is to refurbish at least one of three patient bays at a cost of £25,000 each.
Lauren and her mother’s partner, Stephen Pickles, who did the cycle challenge with her, hope to raise several hundred pounds sponsorship money between them.
She said: "I’ve never done anything like this before – I’m what you might call sporty but not very fit – but I have a bike so I thought I’d give it a go. Stephen has done it a couple of times before."
Although the last 10 miles of the 60-mile route were hard going, Lauren said the cyclists were spurred on by the atmosphere and enthusiasm.
"We encouraged each other on, it was really good," she added.
A volunteer at Springhill for two years, Lauren has gained valuable experience. She has become so committed that when home from university, she continues to give her time to the hospice.
She said: "I love it there – it’s the atmosphere. Some of my mates can’t understand it, but the people at Springhill are so friendly and you build up relationships with patients and their families.
"I help out whenever I can and have made a lot of friends."
If you would like to add to Lauren’s sponsorship total, make your donation online at justgiving/laurenjones7
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20/07/2008 at 22:23