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Sussex-based children’s charity Action Medical Research is celebrating following the ninth annual ‘Davina’s Big Sussex Bike Ride’.
TV star Davina McCall – who has supported Action since she was nine-years-old – was joined by more than 500 cyclists including eighties singing sensation Martin Fry and former Olympian Sally Gunnell OBE.
Speaking afterwards Davina said: “Wow, what a turnout! I’m so pleased to see this event just continue to grow and grow.
“It’s an honour to meet and chat with so many people who enjoy getting out on their bikes and helping to raise vital funds for Action. I’m already excited for next year!”
Starting and finishing at the East Sussex National Golf Club near Uckfield, riders were given the choice of three routes (21, 40, 68 miles) which gave them a glimpse of numerous local towns and villages including Golden Cross, Horam, Woods Corner and Battle.
Fellow Action supporter Martin Fry said he was delighted to take part: “A few years back I rode Action’s ‘Castle Ride’ up in Kent, so I knew it was going to be a fun event.
“I think it’s a fantastic charity, passionate about helping to find answers to the causes of so many conditions that affect babies and young children. I’ll always do what I can to show my support.”
Sussex resident Sally Gunnell took part in her first fundraising challenge for Action and says she thoroughly enjoyed it: “There’s been a really friendly atmosphere here all day and the charity volunteers and staff members have really made it an event to remember.
“It’s just fantastic to see so many people come out and do their bit for such a worthy cause.”
This year’s event was proudly sponsored by Benenden Hospital who also fielded a team of riders to help show support for the fundraiser.
Action’s Community Fundraising Manager for the region Paula Ray said the wet weather couldn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm: “I just want to thank all the riders who persevered through the wind and rain to show their support for Davina and Action Medical Research.
“It was a fabulous atmosphere - despite the wet conditions – but we honestly couldn’t have done it without our sponsors Benenden Hospital, our small army of dedicated volunteers and event marshalls and of course Davina.
“This annual event means a lot to the charity and it’s very rewarding to see so many smiling faces cross the finishing line. We’ll look forward to seeing everyone again in East Sussex next summer!”
Funds are still being collected for this year’s event.
Since its launch in 2011, ‘Davina’s Big Sussex Bike Ride’ has raised more than £310,000 for Action.
Anyone interested in taking part in the 2020 fundraiser can register their interest online.
Action Medical Research is a UK-wide children’s charity which funds desperately needed research to tackle the diseases that devastate the lives of so many of our children. It has been funding medical breakthroughs since it began in 1952 including helping to introduce the first polio vaccines in the UK, developing the use of ultrasound in pregnancy and testing the rubella vaccine.
Action is currently funding research into areas including premature birth, epilepsy, asthma, scarlet fever, cerebral palsy, brain cancer and some rare and distressing conditions.
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Notes to Editors
This relates to the previous press release sent earlier this month:
https://action.org.uk/latest-news/stars-gear-davinas-big-sussex-bike-ride
For more information on Action Medical Research contact Peter Denton, Fundraising Communications Officer, on:
T: 01403 327412
E: pdenton@action.org.uk
W: action.org.uk
Follow us on Twitter at @actionmedres and @amr_events
Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/actionmedres
Follow us on Instagram at @actionmedres and @actionevents
Action Medical Research is a leading UK-wide charity saving and changing children’s lives through medical research. For more than 65 years we’ve helped pioneer ways to prevent disease and develop treatments benefiting millions of people. Our research has helped to beat polio in the UK, develop ultrasound in pregnancy, fight meningitis and prevent stillbirths. But we urgently need to develop more new treatments and cures for sick babies and children and we can’t do it without you.
Join our fight for little lives today.
Charity reg. nos 208701 and SC039284
Benenden Hospital
Founded in 1907, Benenden Hospital Trust is an independent Hospital with charitable status situated in the heart of Kent. A modern facility, it is fitted with the latest equipment serving three state of the art theatres, an ambulatory care unit, 38 single patient rooms, MRI and CT suite as well as a large fully equipped outpatient and diagnostic department. Rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2017 and recognised for providing excellent service with great clinical outcomes for its patients, the Hospital offers a wide range of healthcare consultations, treatments and diagnostic services to Benenden members, self-pay patients and those with private health insurance (PMI). Some services may also be available to NHS patients via the NHS e-referral system.