A determined cyclist is gearing up for a mammoth bike ride from Worcester to Scotland in memory of her “amazing sister” who died last year.
Lidia Sudacka will tackle the seven-day, 350-mile challenge this summer – starting from her home in Worcester and finishing at Edinburgh Castle.
The 32-year-old is raising funds for St Richard’s Hospice which cared for her sister Maggie before she died of breast cancer in September 2019.
“We received amazing care and support from St Richard’s and Maggie spent her final days in the comfort of the hospice,” explained Miss Sudacka.
“The care she received until the very end was truly remarkable. Maggie was an amazing sister, loving wife and brought joy to many.”
Maggie was cared for by both the hospice’s Community Nursing and In-patient Unit Teams.
Miss Sudacka said: “I’m excited about the challenge – it’s something I am focusing on after Maggie’s death.
“I don’t go to the gym or confess to be super fit but I do love cycling. I am a little nervous as not sure how my legs will feel – but I will push the bike if I have to!”
The challenge begins on Monday, June 29 – with Miss Sudacka hoping to cycle around 50 miles a day before finishing at the iconic castle on Sunday, July 5.
She is already well on the way to reaching her fundraising target of £1,000 – with the current total standing at more than £800.
Alison Parkes, Hospice Fundraiser, said: “We are so inspired by Lidia and her determination in taking on this incredibly tough challenge.
“All of us here at St Richard’s wish her the very best – both in training for and taking on this cycle ride.
“Lidia has already raised a fantastic amount for our care and we are so grateful to all those who have donated.
“Without the support of people like Lidia raising money, we couldn’t continue to provide our free care to patients and loved ones when they need us most.”
To support Miss Sudacka and donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/lidia-sudacka1.
To take on a challenge for St Richard’s, visit: strichards.org.uk/events, call the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262 or email: [email protected].
St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,400 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with 22% funded by the NHS.
The hospice is also raising funds for the Build 2020 Appeal and is part way through developing a bigger hospice, enabling more patients and families to be cared for in Worcestershire. The total cost for expanding and redeveloping the existing building in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, is £5.3m.
For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit: www.strichards.org.uk.
