THE owners of a care home in West Oxfordshire have raised £15,000 for a cancer charity by cycling 500km from London to Paris.
Jane and Gerry Roberts, owners of Churchfields Care Home in Cassington, embarked on the recent journey for blood cancer charity Bloodwise, departing from London and biking their way towards Paris, travelling via Folkestone, where they made the voyage across the channel.
They then made their way to Abbeville, Beauvais, and finally on to Paris, with the ride taking four days.
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As the duo continued on their journey, residents at the home in Pound Lane kept track of their progress, using a board to monitor their locations.
Each day, Mr and Mrs Roberts would send new photographs of different landmarks they had reached, giving the Churchfields community an opportunity to share in the experience.
The couple helped to raise £15,000 with the support of family and friends.
Ms Roberts said: “We care for so many people who have been, or are currently battling different forms of cancer.
“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to raise the profile of this incredibly important charity and to help contribute donations towards much needed and ongoing research.”
She added: “The support of our residents has been incredibly important to both Gerry and I, and has been a strong source of inspiration through the more challenging sections of the ride.
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"We’re glad it’s also given them a fantastic chance to relive some of their fondest memories and, for others, a chance to see parts of the world they’ve never had a glimpse of before.”
The event as a whole featured 160 riders, all raising a grand total of £500,000 for blood cancer research.
Cancer of the blood is the third biggest ‘cancer killer’ and is the fifth most common amongst cancer sufferers making research into the disease all the more important.
The charity is dedicated to funding research into all blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma,
To find out more about Bloodwise or to donate, visit bloodwise.org.uk.
Churchfields Care Home is close to St Peter’s Church.
It provides residential and nursing care for elderly ladies and gentlemen, offering respite and convalescence, as well as long-term care.
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Mrs Roberts said on the website: “Our values are centred around residents having a sense of purpose and of belonging, to live well, and to find enjoyment.
“This is supported by ensuring residents have choice, every day, on how they want to spend their time and with whom.”
To arrange a time to look around the home call 01865 88140 or visit churchfieldscarehome.co.uk.
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