Christie's Centenary Appeal
 
This section of the Christie's website is no longer being updated. It remains online as a historical record of the astonishing success of The Christie Hospital's Centenary Appeal which raised £25m in the four years from 1997 to 2001. Fundraising is just as necessary as ever of course, to provide Real Help for Real Hope for ourselves and for future generations. Click here to bring yourself up to date with what's happening.


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PRESS RELEASE
9th August 2000
Plucky lads use pedal power for Christie's


Gareth (left) and Lee receive their medals from Maureen Reid, Chair of Christie's Fylde Coast Fundraisers.

Two brave young men from Blackpool 'got on their bikes' during the North West's biggest bike ride to raise money for The Christie.

Gareth Warbrick from South Shore and Lee Hall from Marton Moss (who both have learning difficulties) took part in the 60-mile long Manchester to Blackpool bike ride, and finished despite the awful weather conditions and length of the journey.

Even though he collected a few punctures along the way, Gareth (26), who lives in a block of flats for young adults with learning difficulties, successfully completed the challenge in nine hours. Lee (20) crossed the finish line after five and a half hours only to bump into fashion designer Jeff Banks.

Lee was quite amazed to see the famous face amongst the cyclists, but took the chance to have a chat and share a joke with him at the finish line.

He said: "I didn't realise who it was at first. He looked like a professional cyclist in all his cycling gear. I did get a photograph with him though!"

Both lads had some preparation for the challenge. Gareth took part in daily bike riding for The Prince's Trust several months ago, whilst Lee does plenty of cycling in his spare time, around Preston and the surrounding countryside.

Gareth said: "I rode my bike for a few weeks before the event to try and help me to prepare, but I must admit, it was tiring! By the time I got to Preston I was exhausted but I knew I had to carry on."

Along with 5,000 other cyclists, Gareth and Lee are now busy collecting the money they have raised for the North-West's leading cancer carecentre.

Christie's Regional Appeals Officer, Christine Blease, said: "We think it is fantastic that people like Gareth and Lee are so willing to help others despite having their own difficulties. Their support and generosity will help Christie's to maintain its position at the forefront of cancer research and treatment."

The Christie treats thousands of Lancashire people each year, particularly those with rare or difficult to treat cancers.

Ends

For further press details, please contact Alison Gudgeon at AWPR on 01200 426663.

General Charitable Fund Registered Charity No 1049751

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