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Smothered in factor 50 cream they braved plus 30 degree heat and had to stop for water every 20 minutes during their seven day 140 mile ride. "Bike tyres could burst automatically if left in the strong sun and we frequently sheltered in the shrub under plants the height of gooseberry bushes. It was hard, and we could never manage more than 25 miles a day," said Phil (56) who lives in Hale and, with Abigail, met the £4,000 costs of their arduous trip. But this week father and daughter came to Manchester's famous cancer centre to present the results of their efforts to date - £2,370 in sponsorships. The final amount will top £3,000 as outstanding donations are received, together with collections taken at the colourful talks Phil is now giving locally about their experiences. A retired British Gas finance section leader, Phil made the ride in appreciation of Christie's care for his wife Judith who died from cancer 14 months ago. Funeral donations had raised an initial £1,500 towards the hospital's £25m centenary appeal, but Phil was not content with that. A keen cyclist, he opted to do the Zanzibar charity challenge because he had previously been to Kenya on holiday. Both Abigail (26) an air hostess living in Brighton and son Duncan (30) a teacher at a Bournemouth junior school wanted to join him. But Duncan could not take part and instead obtained sponsorship from school colleagues and parents to add to that of family, friends and many retired Altrincham and district British Gas employees. As he handed the money to Christie's regional appeals officer Ceri Johnson (right), Phil reflected: "We were warned it could be particularly dangerous in Zanzibar as the elections were on and, being a little cycling group of six women and two men, we were naturally concerned. We were careful where we went at night but we never felt threatened - although we did cross mangrove swamps and saw snakes and giant spiders! But on our two rest days we also snorkelled and swam with dolphins so, overall, it was an incredible experience." Ends For further
information: contact Phil: 0161 928 1021 (after Feb 28)
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General Charitable Fund Registered Charity No 1049751 |
Cycling
around the African island of Zanzibar to raise money for 'Christie's' proved anything but a dream trip for Phil Kirwin and daughter
Abigail.