Team from SpaMedica Gloucester takes on cycling challenge for charity

A team of SpaMedica employees from Gloucestershire, ranging in age from their mid-twenties to mid-seventies, are taking on a unique cycling challenge to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Led by Sarah Sheehan, a hospital manager at SpaMedica in Gloucester, they will be embarking on a static bike relay ride from 23 to 27 September. For five consecutive days, they will be pedalling their way virtually across the country, aiming to conquer the epic distance between Land’s End and John O’Groats – a gruelling 874 miles (1,407km)!

This inspiring initiative is a testament to the team’s unwavering support for Macmillan Cancer Support, a cause particularly close to Sarah’s heart. Having benefited from the charity’s incredible support during her own illness, Sarah and her team are determined to give back in a fun and impactful way.

“We always support Macmillan with bake sales,” she says, “but this year we wanted to do something truly extraordinary. I initially planned to cycle the distance solo on a static bike, but my amazing team wouldn’t hear of me doing it alone! They insisted on joining the challenge, and now we’re turning it into a week-long team effort that proves age is just a number.”

The spirit of camaraderie extends beyond Sarah’s team – their challenge has garnered enthusiastic support from head office teams, friends, and colleagues, all eager to join the “peloton” and contribute to the fundraising goal. To add a touch of levity, participants will be cycling in fun costumes, ensuring a week filled with laughter while pedalling for a worthy cause.

Jo-Anne Ratcliffe, Chief People Officer at SpaMedica, says: “It is always great to see our employees engaging in charitable activities and raising awareness of the causes they are passionate about. We are very proud of Sarah and the team for taking on this challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support, which offers invaluable services and support to people living with cancer and their families. We wish them the best of luck!”

Throughout this challenge, SpaMedica Gloucester will continue to provide exceptional patient care. The hospital will be fully operational, conducting approximately 250 patient appointments and carrying out between 60 and 80 cataract operations during the team’s cycling endeavour. They’re hoping that patients and visitors will be inspired by their efforts and consider supporting their fundraising goal.

“Our goal is to raise £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support,” shares Sarah. “We’ve set up a Just Giving page, and we’re hopeful that the community will join us in supporting this incredible organisation.”

To support Sarah and the SpaMedica Gloucester team’s fundraising efforts, please visit their Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-sheehan-1724145260140