Charity bike ride in tribute to tragic rowing coach & GNAAS


Four young men have completed a 1,000 mile charity bike ride in tribute to a former rowing coach and in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). Michael Hall, Thomas Jackson, Elliot Kay and David Beeby, all from Durham Amateur Rowing Club, cycled the length of Great Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats in memory of former club member, Bill Grant. Bill sadly died in February this year after he fell from his bike into the River Wear. The friends completed their ride in 12 days, covering up to 115 miles a day.

Four young men have completed a 1,000 mile charity bike ride in tribute to a former rowing coach and in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

Michael Hall, Thomas Jackson, Elliot Kay and David Beeby, all from Durham Amateur Rowing Club, cycled the length of Great Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats in memory of former club member, Bill Grant.

Bill sadly died in February this year after he fell from his bike into the River Wear.

The friends completed their ride in 12 days, covering up to 115 miles a day. Their gruelling cycle wasn’t without a few ordeals which included falls, crashes, minor injuries, hospital visits and mechanical issues to contend with along the way.

They were accompanied at different stages by a support team of family members who provided cake and encouragement.

More than £3,000 has been raised which will be split between the rowing club and GNAAS who will accept the funds at a presentation evening at Durham Amateur Rowing Club on September 13.

Mandy Drake, head of fundraising at GNAAS, said: “What a fantastic achievement by four young men. We want to say a huge thank you to the team, who have shown true grit and determination to finish this gutsy feat. The funds will go towards saving lives in the region.”

To donate click here.

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