Judy, 83, takes on cycle challenge in memory of her daughters

Judy hasn’t cycled for years and was nursing a broken hip less than 12 months ago. But despite this she’s donned a cycle helmet and dusted down her bicycle to cycle in loving memory of her two daughters, both of whom she lost last year.

She’s pedalling for Overgate Hospice in recognition of the support they gave her daughter, Kerry.

“For me, this cycle challenge is the equivalent of climbing Everest,” said Judy.

“It’s helping me with my grief for my two beautiful daughters who I lost last year.

“The challenge is in memory of Kerry and Sally. Sally would have been 60 on June 20, the last day of my challenge. My youngest daughter Kerry spent her last five weeks in Overgate Hospice being supported, looked after and loved by the most amazing caring, dedicated people.

“She stayed positive and remarkably happy, considering she had such a lot to deal with. Staff came to her assistance the moment she rang the bell, they comforted her, saw to her needs, were humorous and nothing was too much trouble.

“Kerry made her room a home and in spite of our grief, we had to smile when it took three nurses and a trolley to bring out all her belongings after she passed away. She loved walking or being pushed by family and friends in the beautiful gardens and she enjoyed Jane’s wonderful massages and other holistic treatments.

“My cycle challenge is a way of saying thank you, and of remembering both my daughters.”

When she first came up with the fundraising idea, Judy couldn’t even pedal, but she has persevered and day by day she has been cycling a little further. She had done several early morning training sessions before she commenced her challenge. Judy said: “I’m now able to do a bit more and go a bit further - although I still don’t do full slopes or cycle under canal bridges!

"Cycling early morning is doing me good both physically and mentally, and I am well on my way.”

The cycle challenge has raised more than £1,200 already from family and friends and is testimony to the great work and commitment of Overgate Hospice, Judy added.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising.