This in from the council, in their own words, Ed
The presentation evening for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s 100 Here 100 There challenge was held at Ryde Fire Station on Saturday 23 November.
Target of £20,000
The initial target of the challenge was to raise £20,000 for the Wessex Cancer Trust and establish a Cancer Support Centre on the Island, as well as supporting local charity Seeds4Change, the Isle of Wight Firefighters Benevolent Association and the Firefighters Charity.
For the 100 There part of the challenge, watch managers Lee Venier and Kelvin Wright of the fire service cycled up and over a 100 mountains in 10 days across the French Alps. For the 100 Here challenge, 150 people cycled around and across the Island, taking part in either the 65 or 100 mile routes.
Other events
These events were the catalyst for many other fundraisers which included the Ryde Firefighters ‘human hamster wheel’ called Ryde for Life, and their Pop Up Restaurant fine dining experience.
There was also a swimathon, teddy bear parachute drop, a golf day with Matt Le Tissier, a grand prize draw plus many other events.
Over £44k raised
Supported by GKN as the main corporate sponsor, the 100 Here 100 There committee was able to announce on the night that the final figure raised was the incredible amount of £44,026.
From those funds a cheque for £30,000 was given to Alan House, Vice Chairman of the Wessex Cancer Trust. Thee remaining funds will be shared between the other charities.
“An incredible achievement”
One of the event organisers Kelvin Wright said,
“To have more than doubled our original target is an incredible achievement and it is testament to the hardwork of everyone involved in all our fundraising events.
“I also want to thank the general public for their continued support throughout in these hard times. We have truly been blown away by peoples generosity. I also want to acknowledge two special people who will be remembered at the centre, John Hargreaves and Margaret Newman.”
The Wessex Cancer Trust Cancer Support Centre is now open in Lugley Street, Newport, and offers free non-clinical support for anyone living with cancer, patients, family members or carers.
For more information on the vast range of services available, you can contact the centre on 01983 524186, email [email protected] or visit the website www.wessexcancer.org
Image: © Isle of Wight Council L – R is Alan House, Vice Chairman of the WCT, Watch Manager Nigel Probert, Watch Manager Kelvin Wright and Watch Manager Lee Venier (all Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service)
