Two local cyclists who are peddling their way across the UK in memory of a 7-day-old boy who died last year were met by a crowd of friends and supporters as they rode into Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday (July 19th).
Richard Lambert from Berrow and Craig Tuck from East Huntspill were met by loud cheers at the end of the fifth day of their 874 mile bike ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
The duo have already raised £3,500 for the Bristol based charity Cots For Tots from the ride and hope to collect more before the end of their feat in Cornwall this Saturday.
“The charity has a special meaning for us as my nephew, Charlie, died on July 16th last year aged just seven days old,” explained Richard. “Charlie was born at 35 weeks weighing 6lb 4oz. From the moment he was born it was apparent that he was really unwell and he was transferred from Musgrove to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michaels Hospital in Bristol.”
“Within 12 hours of Charlie’s life he had major stomach surgery which he came through fighting. The cause of his illness was unknown and following a long hard week of tests and blood transfusions he was showing signs of progress. Tragically, he had a global cerebral hemorrhage and following an MRI scan it showed extensive brain damage, and that there was no longer anything more that could be done to sustain his life. We really want to raise a good sum for Cots For Tots in his memory.”
The pair, who have cycled through high winds and heavy rain, were met outside The Rosewood Inn on Thursday evening by Emma Wescott, mother of Charlie, who said: “I am really amazed at what they are doing and incredibly grateful for their support. It means so much.”
To support the duo, readers can visit their fundraising page here.
The duo being met by family and supporters on Thursday evening
Richard and Craig with their support team Emma Wescott and Emma Lambert
