Local police force pedal 205 miles for children’s charity

Michael Geeson, a police officer from Suffolk will be taking on a gruelling 205 mile cycle in just one day this June in aid of children’s charity, The Sick Children’s Trust.

On the 5 April 2013 Michael’s twin daughters, Darcey and Erin were born five weeks prematurely at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. They had trouble feeding and were taken into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where they were treated for two weeks.

Michael’s wife, Alison, stayed in hospital while she recovered from her caesarean operation so was always close by to Darcey and Erin. Michael, however was forced to make a 70 mile round trip to and from home to visit until he was offered a room in Chestnut House, a ‘Home from Home’ provided by The Sick Children’s Trust within the hospital.

On 23^rd June Michael and nine friends will take on a 205 mile cycle ride inspired by cyclist, Tommy Godwin who set a record in 1939 of cycling 75,065 miles in a year – an average of 205 miles each day. The challenge is being sponsored by local Bury St Edmund’s cycle store, Velopro and this will be where the team start and finish the challenge.

Michael said “After two weeks in intensive care our little girls were well enough to come home and are now fit and healthy. Chestnut House enabled us to stay as a family in Darcey and Erin’s first couple of weeks, we were able to bond with them and comfort them day and night without worrying about travelling home and being far away.

“Alison and I are so grateful for the support we received from The Sick Children’s Trust and when we left Chestnut House we vowed to do something to help. My good friend John Frith suggested taking on this huge challenge and it has been the perfect opportunity to raise money for a very worthwhile cause.”

Michael will be taking part in the challenge with colleagues; Lee Orriss, Garry McCormick, Robbie Beecroft, Andy Beeby, Mike Potter, Dave Ellis, John Frith and three of John’s friends; Jon Doidge, Mark Blenkinsop and Josh Parkington. The team will set off at sunrise and will complete five 41 mile laps by sundown in the hope of raising £1,000 for the charity.

Helen Salmon, House Manager of Chestnut House said “We are so pleased to hear that Darcey and Erin are doing well and are extremely grateful to Michael and Alison for choosing to support The Sick Children’s Trust. It costs us £28 to accommodate a family for one night in our ‘Home from Home’ accommodation so the money raised by the team will help us to support many families who are facing the most difficult of circumstances. It sounds like a very tough challenge and we are looking forward to hearing how they all get on!”

To sponsor Mike’s cycle ride please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/Michael-Geeson