66 mile cycling challenge

A Doncaster cyclist has tackled the Etape Loch Ness 66 mile cycling challenge for the third time to raise money for our hospice.

Chris Lukins (60) from Rossington is no stranger to the epic task of the 66 mile challenge, but this year he decided to do it in memory of his mother-in -law Valerie Adamson, who spent just under two weeks in the hospice before sadly passing away on October 16 last year.

Chris said: “Seeing the compassion and care from the incredible nurses and staff at the hospice made me want to help, I knew I wanted to do the Loch Ness 66 mile again, so my wife Sharon suggested I do it in memory of her mum and raise money for the hospice. I’m no stranger to this challenge but this time it was a grueling ride, I finished in just under 5 hours, placing 2636 out of 6000 after battling the cold, rain and extreme wind! The sound of the pipers as I hit the last leg really was music to my ears! I couldn’t have done it without my family there cheering me on and knowing I couldn’t let the people down who had sponsored me.

“I’m extremely grateful for everyone who sponsored me, enabling me to donate over £1600 to the hospice, Bawtry Caravans were one of my biggest supporters, they donated a whooping £500 which really spurred me on! As a family we cannot thank the hospice enough for what they’ve done, and this donation is a way of showing our appreciation for the small things the staff did that made a hard time a little bit easier.”

Lindsay Richards, hospice fundraiser said: “We are so grateful for the donation from Chris, the effort he has put in to raising this money is admirable, he really has pushed himself to show his gratitude, thank you Chris.”

St John’s Hospice is run by Rotherham Doncaster & South Humber NHS Trust (RDaSH)