The Long Ride – Conclusion

Following a year long challenge to ride 2500 miles to raise £2500 for DISC Dementia Support and The Sara Lee Trust immediate past President James Slinn was able to present cheques to the nominated good causes. The money target was reached even though the mileage target fell 200 miles short.

James selected DISC (Dementia Information and Support Courses CIC) in memory of his close friend Ian Wakeford who succumbed to an aggressive form of dementia. Ian was the son of a former president of our Rotary Club and very well known in the local business community being managing director of the family firm, St Leonards Motors Group. When Ian was diagnosed with Lewy Bodies dementia DISC were there to support his wife and family through the trauma of the condition.

When the going got tough on the bike – I thought about Ian and why I was turning the pedals. May Howes of DISC received a cheque for £2000 to help with the running costs of delivering their service to those who care for dementia sufferers.

The Sara Lee Trust was also nominated to receive money from The Long Ride in recognition of the work they do to support cancer sufferers. Although this charity is well supported financially in the local community, they do need constant donations to carry on the good work. Our own Tim Pilbeam can vouch for the quality of their support when his wife Heather was living with the condition. A cheque for £500 was presented to Sue Morton at the Charity’s support centre in Sidley.

James would like to thank everyone who supported me with donations large and small. Special thanks to family members who were very generous in the early months to encourage him to complete the Challenge. James also thanks everyone who cycled with him throughout the year, especially Rotarians Graham Dawson, Tim Pilbeam, David Dixson and Perry and Alison Puddefoot for the fun and fellowship on the road trips.