Cycle challenge raises over £15,000 for Hospiscare

A University of Exeter team raised over £15,000 after cycling over 1,000 miles in just 10 days to raise money for local charity Hospiscare.

The team was made up of five University of Exeter staff and Paul Gibbins, partner of J&A Gibbins local catering butcher and supplier to the University.

The journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats, was in memory of Karen Foggett, a former University employee who worked in the Campus Services Retail team. Karen sadly passed away in April 2012, but was cared for by Hospiscare and their dedicated team of staff.

The team exceeded their £10,000 target by raising a staggering £15,000.

Phil Rees-Jones, University of Exeter Assistant Director of Retail and team leader for the challenge commented: “We all have lots of fond memories from the trip and the fact we were able to raise such an enormous amount is just amazing. I was overwhelmed by the care and support Hospiscare gave to Karen and I hope the money we raised will allow them to look after others in the same way.”

The team began their journey on Monday 1 October 2012 and reached John O’Groats on Wednesday 10 October 2012. Cycling with Phil was Head Chef Aaron Tong, Second Chef Nick Denning, Managers John Glasper and Rob O’Connell and University Supplier Paul Gibbins. The team were assisted by University Handyman Tom Donnelly, who acted as the team’s support and transport manager.

Paul Gibbins, Partner at J&A Gibbins said: “I was delighted to join the University team to raise money for Hospiscare and cannot think of a more deserving cause to fundraise for. We knew it wouldn’t be easy but we trained hard to make sure the challenge was a complete success.”

"We are absolutely delighted that the Karen Foggett Memorial Cycle Challenge has raised such an extraordinary sum of money for Hospiscare," said John Arnold, Corporate Fundraiser for the charity. "The money will mean so much to our patients and their families - we are so grateful to the University and everyone involved with the challenge for helping us to continue providing care for people like Karen."

Hospiscare, which provides end of life care for people from Exeter, Mid and East Devon, has been supporting the local community for over 30 years. The charity gives high-quality care and dedicated support to people who are terminally ill, free of charge, in their own homes, in dedicated day care centres or in the hospice.

Campus Services are currently working in partnership with Hospiscare over a three year period. To find out more about the local charity staff and students are able to visit their pop-up shop currently located in the Forum.