THREE cycling novices are taking to two wheels to thank the medics who treat them.
Stroke survivor Andy Rhodes is teaming up with friends Chris Quaife and Ben Button for the 50-mile cycle ride from Leeds to Skipton and then on to Ilkley on October 20.
The feat is the brainchild of Chris who wanted to support Diabetes UK as he has type 1 diabetes.
Chris, from Ilkley, says the care at the diabetic clinic at Airedale General Hospital, near Keighley, helps him live life to the full.
The 36-year-old said: “I cannot sing their praises enough.
“Five years ago I had laser treatment to burn away haemorrhaged blood cells at the back of my eyes, which if left untreated would have caused blindness.
“I have a little hole in my peripheral vision, but I am able to drive and thankfully can still play cricket.
“I wanted to give something back to say thank you for all they have done for me, and we thought the bike ride would also give Andy a goal as part of his rehabilitation.
“Diabetes UK does a lot of fantastic work to help and support people with diabetes and carries out important research into the condition, so they were the obvious charity for me to try and raise some cash for.”
Andy said the ride had also given him something to aim for as he recovered from a stroke.
“It’s a goal for me to get somewhere as when Chris asked me, I still wasn’t working,” he said.
“The staff at LGI were brilliant. I was given unbelievable treatment by every member of the Acute Stroke Unit, from my consultant, Mr Bamford, down to the lady who brought the meals round.
“I was treated with the utmost care and compassion.
“I shall always be grateful that they were there for me and want to raise as much as I can to support them through The Stroke Association.”
They are hoping to raise £8,000 which they will split equally between Diabetes UK and The Stroke Association.
Sponsor them via: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ChrisQuaife
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