Charity cyclists raise funds for Brighton hospital

The team was raising money for Rockinghorse, the children’s charity which supports the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.

It was made up of staff from ISS, the facilities services provider for the Royal Sussex County Hospital, and employees from the portering and housekeeping departments at the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. The trust runs the Royal Sussex.

They set off from Land’s End on Monday 10 September and rode the 400 miles back to the Royal Alex during the week.

Russell Sherry, ISS general manager at the Royal Sussex, said before the cyclists set off: “The idea of a gruelling long distance bike ride was formulated unsurprisingly by a group of keen cyclists and fully supported by the team. Riding from Land’s End to Brighton will be a challenge.

“However, nothing comes close to those that are faced daily by the sick children that we see pass through the Alex.

“The staff that I speak to who are taking part in the ride and those staff who are supporting the riders, completely understand the significance of their actions. Moreover, they are inspired by the courage demonstrated by the patients.”

The Brighton-based charity is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alex and also supports the Trevor Mann Baby Unit. It raises money for life-saving and cutting-edge medical equipment, while ensuring that children are treated in an environment that is better suited to their needs.

Mr Sherry said: “Raising money for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital by donating through the local Rockinghorse Children’s Charity ensures that your donation helps local children. The children’s hospital relies upon funding to maintain the highest possible care.”
To sponsor the team, visit their Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/ISSLandsEnd2Alex. To find out more about the charity, visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk or call 01273 330044.