Welcome home for cyclists
Published on 29 June 2021 10:12 AM
On Sunday 27 June, two Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin supporters enjoyed a warm welcome home as they passed through Shrewsbury on day five of their epic cycle ride to John O’Groats.
Befriending volunteer, Dean Suter and Emma Wilde, Senior Day Services Coordinator at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin cycled in for a pit stop at Uffington Village Hall and were welcomed with cheers from their friends, family and supporters.
They were joined by the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Julian Dean and Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, Heather Osborne who gave thanks for taking on such a huge fundraising challenge to support older people across the county.
Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin day centre and dementia group members made good luck banners and members of the over 55’s adult ballet class provided entertainment with an elegant outdoor ballet performance.
Emma Wilde said: ‘As a member of the day services’ staff at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, I have witnessed first-hand how hard the past 14 months have been for older people, those with dementia and their carers. Cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats is a gift and I’m humbled by all the support people have given and we send everyone a huge thank you for all their encouragement.’
After the break Emma and Dean cycled to their next stop in Market Drayton, accompanied by a cycling escort of more than 20 friends and family.
Catherine McCloy, Head of Income Generation said: ‘We are eternally grateful to people like Dean and Emma for taking up this challenge to raise much needed funds. It has been amazing to see the support given and we thank everyone who has contributed, whether it has been a donation, messages of support or baking cupcakes for their journey, it is all very much appreciated.’
Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is an independent charity and all donations will go directly to support older people in Telford and Shropshire. If you would like to donate to Dean and Emma’s fundraiser visit their JustGiving pages: