Cycle News Monday, January 10, 2005

Gran's cycle ride for funds

A GRANDMOTHER is set to take part in a 62-mile bike ride to raise funds for the charity which helped her daughter after she suffered a still birth.
Sandra Rees (50), of Welbourne, Werrington, Peterborough, was so impressed by the work of the Still Birth and Neonatal Deaths Society (SANDS) she wanted to do something to pay it back.

The charity gave her daughter Kelly Rees (24) support and advice following the death of her third baby, a little girl she was going to name Lauryn.

Sandra said: "Kelly had a still born baby in July last year.

"I wanted to help her, but I've never been in the same situation and I just didn't have the words to give her the comfort she needed.

"SANDS was able to put her in contact with other mums who had gone through the same thing and this really helped her.

"Every day in the UK 16 babies are still born and charities that help give support to the parents and families do not often get the publicity that they need."

The sponsored bike ride will take place on February 27, and will take participants around the city.

About 10 people are set to take part in the challenge, including Kelly who now lives in Nottingham.

Sandra has also been holding other fund-raising events and has collected almost £400 for SANDS through a sponsored silence and a charity night.

She hopes that this event will see the total amount of money raised pass the £1,000 mark.

Sandra said: "SANDS offers a tremendous amount of support for families who experience the death of a baby, and I wanted to do whatever I could to help raise funds.

"I hadn't been on a bike since the children were small, but I've now started training for the big event and I'm determined to make it through.

"This money will stop babies being still born, but perhaps it will help other mothers find a way through their grief, like Kelly."

• Anyone who would like to sponsor the fund-raisers should call Sandra on 01733 320093, or 07915 297509.

(Source: peterboroughtoday.co.uk)