Two best friends are giving back to charity in their own unique way- by motorcycling around Europe in all weathers, with nothing but a bike saddle and a camping tent for aid. And it’s all for Teesside Hospice- a place close to the heart of long-term outpatient Nick Devers.
Nick suffers from Primary Lymphoedema- a genetic condition which affects the development of the lymphatic system, whereby swelling occurs in the patient’s body tissue.
The hospice, based in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough- is dedicated to offering free treatment to sufferers of any long term illness, just like Nick’s.
Nick and best pal Graeme Church, both from Redcar, combined their love of Harley Davidsons with gratitude for the local hospice to come up with this- 3,000 riding miles through Spain, France and Belgium.
With helmets and leathers in towe, the pals will embark on their Spring 2015 adventure with open minds- and an ambition to raise over £1,500 for the Northgate Road centre.
Nick, 42, is keen to support the hospice following a painful 2014- whereby his family was affected by cancer. Happily married Nick, who has an 18-year-old daughter called Megan says he is not ready to discuss this part of his life, although he is keen to move on to more optimistic thoughts.
He said: “Graeme and I were going to do the trip before we decided its purpose; riding around Europe has always been a dream of ours. But it was a no-brainer to add on the fundraiser for Teesside Hospice. Especially after all the care its given me and my family over the past 10 years”.
It’s a giant leap from their everyday lives in overseas construction, but the pair are ready to reign the roads.
Nick said: “I am very fortunate with my condition, and I am currently managing well.
“However, when it flares up it hinders my ability to travel.
“If my lower leg swells up, the skin can strech to the point where it is very painful. This doesn’t put me off our trip, though”.
The boys will set off from Redcar on the 10th May- before travelling to Plymouth, where they will catch an overnight ferry to Bilbao in Spain. Their next stop is Madrid, which is camping for two nights, before a coastal tour around Spain and France. Nick and Graeme will finally touch home ground on the 22nd May.
Graeme Church, 39, who lives with wife Mandy and children Mason and Matilda said: “It’s my 40th birthday two days before we get back- so Nick suggested we do a double celebration. Travelling Europe is on my bucket list, right alongside Route 66”.
The hospice currently has a £2.4m excess in running costs, of which one third is paid for by NHS funding. This means the hospice is responsible for raising £4,900- 365 days a year- from its own resources.
It’s no surprise then, that Nick and Graeme’s fundraising ambitions are at the forefront of the hospice’s thank you list.
Leanne Irvine, Community Fundraiser at Teesside Hospice said: “We think it’s fantastic- what the guys are doing. It’s their way of giving something back, and we are very appreciative of their support”.
If you would like to support Nick and Graeme on their “King of the Road” motorcycle challenge, please visit their JustGiving page: http://bit.ly/1BDDRbb
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