Cycling enthusiast rides 125 miles for Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice charity
Adele Couchman
Robin Stephens, 56, has so far raised £1,370 for Andi's Gift
£1370 has been raised for a charity in memory of an ambulance technician from Bexleyheath
A cyclist has travelled 125 miles from Salisbury Cathedral to Danson Park to raise money for a Bexleyheath charity that supports families who use need to use The Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.
Robin Stephens, 56, who lived in Sidcup until he was five, rode for over 13 hours on Saturday, September 19 in support of Andi's Gift - a fundraising initiative that celebrates the life of a long serving ambulance technician from Bexleyheath.
The charity was set up by Sarah Fulbrook and Elisa McEwen - primary school friends of Andrea White, who was known as Andi. They were inspired by Andi sharing her 40th birthday falconry present with another patient in The Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice hours before he died, and now the charity wishes to continue her legacy by making memories for people and their families who need to use the the hospice.
Having worked with Andrea White's mother at Salisbury Hospital, Mr Stephens was inspired to help the charity by completing the 125 mile bike ride.
Elisa McEwen, a childhood friend of Andi, cheered on the cyclist when he reached the finishing line at Danson Park:
"Robin set off from Salisbury Cathedral at 05:30am and got to Danson Park at 6:40pm having completed 125 miles - which was longer than he thought by 5 miles!
"His daughter Katherine rode with him for the first 38 miles and his friend Colin did the same for the first 54. They rejoined him for the last 14 miles so they could all finish together.
"We waited at the entrace to the boat house to greet them with a banner, cake and bubbly when they finished. Robin had a great big smile on his face."
Money previously raised by Andi's Gift has been used to enable the falconer to return to the hospice twice to share his birds of prey with patients and their families.
A harpist has also visited to perform at the inpatient ward, while last year the charity supported three families to go to a fireworks display at Danson Park.
Those wishing to support Mr Stephen's bike ride can donate to Andi's gift by visiting www.gofundme.com/2fhsrgyc