Mark Jenkins
'Fast Hitch's' drop bar(my) army.
Fundraising for North West Air Ambulance
Story
We are a group of eight friends (Terry Bates, Graeme Cox, Louise Hogg, Karen Jarvis, Mark Jenkins, Rob Marsh, Darren McWalters, David Waide) coming together to form a fundraising team called......'Fast Hitch's' drop bar(my) army. Our aim is to raise valuable funds for The North West Air ambulance Service (NWAAS).
Three years ago a great friend and fellow cyclist Dave Hitchen lost his life after being involved in a tragic accident.
On the day of the accident, Dave ('fast Hitch' as he was fondly known to his friends) from St Helens was out on his bike when, during a cycling event in Bolton he was struck by a motorcycle.
Dave was riding the event to offer motivation and mechanical support to less able cyclists.
He was an incredible athlete, a true family man with a great personality. In cycling terms he was one of the best, but so modest you would never have known it talking to him.
As a team we would greatly appreciate your support in our fundraising effort. A kind donation of any amount would help us achieve our target for this great charity and in the memory of our very good friend Dave.
When not competing himself Dave enjoyed nothing more than helping others, offering support and guidance to anyone who wanted to develop and progress.
On the day of the accident Dave was doing the two things he was most passionate about, cycling and helping fellow cyclists to achieve their goals.
Following Dave's accident NWAAS attended the scene and airlifted him to hospital.
As cyclists we love nothing more than cycling on remote lanes off the beaten track. Unfortunately this often leaves us vulnerable and a good way from the response of emergency services and hospital accident and emergency departments, thus we have a great appreciation of the work the NWAAS do to support people like ourselves during our hour of need.
To show our appreciation for the work NWAAS do each and every day, we have set ourselves a target of raising at least £2000.
In order to achieve this target and in Dave's memory, we are going to ride the 112 miles and 13,00ft ascent of 'The 2018 Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge'.
Why 'The 2018 Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge'?
This event is as hard has it gets in cycling terms. It was also Dave's favourite cycle event for that very reason.
The Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge will be held on Sunday 13th May 2018.
http://www.fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk
The Fred Whitton Challenge is a cycling sportive event regarded by many as the most challenging in the country and arguably in Europe. The 112 mile route circumnavigates the Lake District National Park going over all six major passes (totalling in excess of 13000 ft of ascent, with gradients in parts in excess of 30%).
We are currently training hard for the event and are both excited and apprehensive as the big day draws closer.
As a team we would greatly appreciate your support in our fundraising effort. A kind donation of any amount would help us achieve our target for this great charity and in the memory of our very good friend Dave.
Kind regards from the 'Fast Hitch's drop bar(my)army and all Dave’s Family and friends.