‘Bliss provided us with reassurance, help and support’

 
8 August 2014

Raising money for the event’s charity partner is one dad’s aim. By Pippa Field Cycling long distances is nothing unusual for Keekle father-of-two Andrew Callaway but, when the ride in question involves following in the footsteps of Olympians, while raising money for a cause close to his heart, the ante is upped.

Last year saw the inaugural Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 take place as 16,000 riders tackled a 100-mile route around closed roads in London and the Surrey countryside, finishing on The Mall.

Having seen the size of the event, which followed some of the route taken in the London 2012 Olympic road race, St Benedict’s School science teacher and keen cyclist Andrew was quick to put his name down for this year’s event on Sunday.

The 51-year-old (right) will be raising money for Bliss, the official 2014 charity partner that works to provide the best possible care and support for all premature and sick babies and their families.

Callaway’s eldest child Joshua was born eight weeks premature and daughter Miriam also arrived five weeks early.

While both are now adults, he admits it was a difficult time. “At that time I was unaware of Bliss but I now know of the work they do and it is so important,” he said.

“We had so many questions and we were looking for advice. The NHS did a good job, but Bliss provided that invaluable level of support and reassurance.

“When Joshua was born, there were not really any premature clothes around, so I had to go out and buy dolls’ clothes for him.

“There are all sorts of beeps and noises coming from the machines and it can be very worrying, but Bliss are there to give you help and support.

“When I saw the ride last year, I thought: ‘Wow, that would be amazing to cycle on closed roads around London with so many other cyclists’. And then obviously following some of the routes from the Olympics and finishing on The Mall is very exciting.”

While this year’s route will push some to their limits with gruelling climbs up the infamous Box Hill and Leith Hill, Callaway insists he will be well-prepared for whatever comes his way. “I cycle quite a lot, and with living in the Lake District I am used to the hills,” he added.

“I enjoy the hard work side of things. I’m aiming to do the coast to coast before the ride, which is 142 miles.

“At the moment I have managed to raise £850. The original target was £750, so I’m hoping to get to £1,000. I’m really looking forward to it.”

To support Andrew and his cause, visit his fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Callaway/ and make a donation.

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