Thanks to Jessica for sharing this report from the IW Randonnee. Ed
Mark and Caroline Pengelly who live in Cambridge met when Mark was as civil engineer for Kier, who were building the new St Mary’s Hospital building.
Caroline, who grew up in Brighstone, was working at the hospital as a Student Nurse. Their romance blossomed and the couple later married at Brighstone Church in April 1991. Coincidentally this was on the same date that the new look St Mary’s Hospital was re-opened to the public.
Mark and Caroline have maintained strong ties with the Island, and regularly return to visit family and friends. They decided to compete in the Randonnee with a group of close friends, and quickly decided upon the charity they would like to support in the process. Caroline added,
“We have known of the work of Independent Arts for many years now, and feel that the work that the charity does is invaluable for older people across the Isle of Wight. When we were talking about undertaking the Randonnee and getting sponsored, Independent Arts was top of our list of charities we would like to support.”
The 100km route takes cyclists around the Isle of Wight through checkpoints in East Cowes, Wootton, Bembridge, Alverstone, Whitwell and Yarmouth.
The couple have currently raised over £2600, with donations still being made. Chief Executive of Independent Arts, Kate Ball said,
“We are thrilled that Mark and Caroline chose to support our charity. The money that they have raised will allow us to reach vulnerable people in the community through engagement in the arts and creative activity.”
For more information about Independent Arts, please contact Caroline Ash, Project Manager at Independent Arts on 822437 or at [email protected]
