Mike Wakeling, partner in the Dispute Resolution team at Lodders, is taking on a three-day, 182-mile bike ride from Exeter to Warwick to raise funds for local children’s charity, Molly Ollys.
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Mike is taking part in the charity’s fundraising bike ride for the second time, having completed last year’s event which raised £73,000.
The ride will leave the Devon Hotel in Exeter on Friday 7 July and will finish at the Durham Ox in Shrewley near Warwick on Sunday 9 July. The route passes through Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and ends up in Warwickshire.
About Molly Ollys
Rachel Ollerenshaw and her husband, Tim, set up Molly Ollys not long after their daughter, Molly, very sadly died from a rare kidney cancer.
The Warwick-based charity, now in its 11th year, emotionally supports babies and children up to 18 who have life-threatening illnesses, and their families, to help with their emotional wellbeing. It provides gifts to individuals and donates therapeutic toys and books to children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.
This year’s route is special to Rachel and Tim, as the family used to holiday in nearby Sidmouth.
Commenting on the fundraiser, Mike Wakeling says: “Molly Ollys is an incredibly important and worthwhile cause. Molly was at school with my son Ben, and I know her parents Tim and Rachel well. Molly was very sadly diagnosed with a Wilms tumour aged just three, and despite a long and brave five-year fight, she passed away in 2011.
“After raising £3000 with Lodders in the bike ride for Molly Ollys last year, I jumped at the chance to take part in this year’s challenge in aid of this fantastic charity that does so much for young children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.”
Speaking about this year’s event, Rachel Ollerenshaw says: “At Molly Ollys, we exist to improve the lives of children just like Molly who have been dealt very unfair cards. If we can bring them comfort, make them smile or give them something to look forward to, that is what we will do. But we cannot do it without the kind and generous donations of funds and time. Last year’s ride was the tenth anniversary of the charity, and it far exceeded our expectations on so many levels.
“It was very emotional for Tim and I seeing all the cyclists in their Molly Olly pink tops ride in together to the finishing point to huge applause. We would love to hear from any cyclists who are interested in being involved this year.”
Charity bike ride
Mike and the other 30 riders taking part in the bike ride will ride 66 miles on day one, finishing in Street, Exeter. They will ride 75 miles on day two, finishing the middle leg in Cheltenham, with the final day and 42 miles taking them to the finish line in Shrewley.
Mike adds: “Last year’s ride was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am looking forward to taking on the challenge again – even the 3800-foot climb on day one – to help raise funds to support the work of this inspiring charity.”
To support Mike with his fundraising for Molly Ollys, visit the Just Giving page, here.
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