On Saturday 18 March, Kingston resident, Richard Carrington rode an epic 75-mile tour of 14 London hospitals on his Brompton commuter bike in support of our Ride for 75 fundraising initiative, to mark the 75th birthday of the NHS.
On Saturday 18 March, Kingston resident, Richard Carrington rode an epic 75-mile tour of 14 London hospitals on his Brompton commuter bike in support of our Ride for 75 fundraising initiative, to mark the 75th birthday of the NHS.
Thanks to Richard’s efforts and those of other cyclists locally, nearly £9,000 has been raised to date towards our fundraising goal of £35,000 to develop a second secure cycle storage unit for staff.
Kingston Hospital provided the starting point for Richard at 7:30am. His route ensured he visited several major hospitals including Guys and St Thomas’s, St Bartholomew’s, Royal Free, University College Hospital, Royal Brompton Hospital, Queen Mary’s Hospital, Charity Cross Hospital and Chelsea & Westminster Hospital. Despite the rain, encountering heavy traffic in places and having only one functioning gear on his Brompton, Richard completed his 75-mile ride in about 6.5 hours.
In 2019 Richard suffered a heart attack while travelling back from training at the Lee Valley Velodrome and had a triple heart bypass at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
A tired but elated Richard said after the challenge:
“Ride for 75 offered me a chance to give back and make a difference to our community – often cyclists are criticised as middle-class and out of touch. I did it on a Brompton because this is about all the ordinary people like me.
I want to represent all the commuters who live in this area. We all rely on the NHS. Often, we don’t realise this until we have a significant issue. My experience in 2019 saved my life! Over time, I’ve seen numerous cyclists suffer injuries from crashes and illness, and the fantastic work of Kingston and other NHS trusts has been invaluable.
A second secure bike storage facility will enable more hospital staff to utilise this sustainable form of transport, knowing their bikes are secure from theft while on their shifts.”
Our thanks to Richard who is a member of Waldy Wheelers, and to the other cyclists who have supported Ride for 75 from the Kingston Wheelers Cycling Club, London Dynamo, Kingston Juniors Cycling Club, Epsom Cycling Club and New Malden Velo.
If you would like to make a donation in support of Ride for 75, please click here. To take on a #75 challenge, please email Tracey at tracey.shaw17@nhs.net or call 07867 189142.