A team of eight cyclists has been inspired to raise money for the NHS by the extraordinary efforts of Captain Tom Moore – and will each cycle 100 miles on the war veteran’s 100th birthday.
The members of Cycle Mickleover will all use turbo trainers hooked up to their computers to complete a Zwift virtual challenge, meaning they can tackle the fundraiser in their own homes.
The group plan to set off on their virtual journey on Thursday at 2pm and aim to finish by 8pm, in time for the weekly Clap for Carers.
Among the group is Keith Howard, who hopes to raise up to £500 for NHS Charities Together, which will be matched by his employer Lubrizol, in Hazelwood.
He plans to set up his bike outside the front of his house on West Drive, in Mickleover, in the hope that pedestrians enjoying their daily exercise may be inspired to donate.
Keith, who is a Strategic Technology Manager for Lubrizol, said: “It’s impossible not to be inspired by Captain Tom and if someone of his age can make the effort to raise money for the NHS we feel we should do the same”.
“As a group we usually cycle around 50 miles at a weekend and so we felt we could use his 100th birthday to cycle 100 miles – which would be a good challenge on a static trainer.
“The Zwift app we use means that our bikes follow a realistic route, so the load increases to replicate the hills. And we can also ride as a group, so we can see each other, chat and monitor progress.
“I’m grateful to Lubrizol for very kindly matching my donations pound for pound – I hope more people might donate knowing that their cash is effectively being doubled.”
It’s not the first time Keith and his fellow cyclists have raised money for charity. Last year a group from Duffield squash club cycled 65-miles from Hillsborough football stadium to Pride Park, in Derby, and raised £4,500 for the Stroke Association.
And it’s not the only donation Lubrizol has made to the NHS. Earlier this month staff handed over 40 boxes of latex gloves, 120 face masks and 80 pairs of safety glasses to the Royal Hospital in Derby.
The company also made a donation of 2,000 latex gloves to a new community group, Loughborough Against Corona, whose 250 members are working with the NHS to deliver prescriptions and other goods to vulnerable people living in and around Loughborough, while its on-site caterer, Wilson Vale Catering, also prepared hot lunches for vulnerable people in early days of the outbreak.
Lubrizol spokeswoman Rachel Ollier said: “Staff at Hazelwood are prolific fundraisers all year round and we are delighted to be able to support Keith with his endeavours on Captain Tom Moore’s birthday.
“Lubrizol has really pulled together to help look after the more vulnerable members of our society and this is another example of our colleagues going the extra mile for others.”
If you would like to donate to Keith’s appeal visit the VirginMoneyGiving page.
