Commemorative cycle challenge raises £10,000 for Lindsey Lodge

Ryan Oates, a St Lawrence Academy teacher, has raised a £10,000 for the Lindsey Lodge Hospice, where his dad Mick spent the last few weeks of his life battling cancer.

The emotional journey commemorated a year since Mick passed away and it was Wembley where Mick took the Brigg Town Football Club youth team to victory in the FA Vase Cup for non-professional teams.

“It felt amazing when we got to Wembley and we were all in tears,” said Ryan.

“All of our wives, girlfriends, friends and family were waiting at the finish line with champagne- it was such a special moment.

“None of my friends knew they were waiting there so it was a great surprise for them.”

However, it wasn’t smooth riding the whole way as there were lots of trials and tribulations!

“We had only cycled a couple of miles and we were diverted down the busy A15 because of an accident.

“The weather was terrible when we set off but it soon brightened up when we got to Lincoln.

“A couple of my friends had punctures along the way, but I was lucky enough not to get one.”

The first day the group pedalled 95 miles to Peterborough, had a hotel stop off, then left early the next morning for a 100 mile journey to Wembley.

None of the group had cycling experience, so it was not only a mental and emotional challenge but also a physical one.

“It was easier than I thought physically,” added Ryan.

“My average speed was 14mph and at times we were doing 40mph over-taking mopeds.”

Ryan is over-whelmed with the amount of support he’s received from his girlfriend, friends and family on the journey.

He said: “People have been so generous when they know they’re supporting the hospice.

“I visited my dad every day, sometimes twice a day, at the hospice and it’s such a peaceful and tranquil place where you can come and go when you want.

“The care and support the staff gave us was warm and loving throughout and we are so grateful for that.

“I am so pleased I have turned something negative into a positive experience which I’ll never forget.”