Hospice word spreads overseas

 
12 February, 2013

An adventurous pair who cycled 4500km in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice have managed to spread the word of the Farnham-based charity internationally!

Whilst cycling in the south of France, Charlie Vaughan-Griffith and Humphrey Butler met a Canadian couple on holiday in the same area. Patrick and Angela Kelly from Ottowa were so impressed by the two men and their fundraising efforts that they emailed the Hospice. Patrick said: “We donated on the spot. Both our mothers died last year and we know how important this kind of work is.”

Charlie and Humphrey took on the challenge of cycling from Calais to Gibraltar in memory of Charlie’s late father, Richard, who was cared for by the Hospice.

Sarah Brocklebank, CEO at Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice said: “What a small world it is! We were thrilled to receive such a touching email from the Kelly’s and passed this straight to Charlie so that he could see just how far his efforts have travelled. We couldn’t do what we do without people like Charlie and his friends. We receive just 12% of our funding from the NHS so people like Charlie are crucial to our survival.”

The route Charlie and Humphrey took retraced the steps Richard had taken in 1963 with friends. Patrick and Angela Kelly were just one pair of extremely generous people they met during the 67 days it took to reach Gibraltar.

Charlie Vaughan-Griffith said: “The kindness shown by strangers we met throughout the ride constantly amazed us. Patrick and Angela typified the charming and supportive people we met along the way. The fact that they took the time to write to the Hospice about meeting us was amazing, and just shows that doing something a little bit different for a fantastic cause can really spark people's imaginations.”

Charlie and Humphrey have raised over £11,000 for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. To donate please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/CharlieVaughanGriffith

The Hospice offers a number of challenge trips for those wishing to fundraise, including Conquer Kilimanjaro, Trek the Inca Trail, Pedal to Paris, and many more. To find out more email [email protected] or call 01252 729446.

For more information about the Hospice visit www.pth.org.uk.