Cyclists pedal forward to raise money for baby units

More than 600 cyclists donned their cycle shorts to compete in a bike ride to raise money for the neonatal intensive care units at their local hospitals.

The keen cyclists, who gathered from across the region, took part in the Festive Fifty II Rudolph’s Return event over the Christmas period and raised £5,641 for the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) at both Scunthorpe and Grimsby hospitals.

The donation to the units will go towards supporting the Trust’s charity, The Health Tree Foundation’s circle of wishes, which supports patients and their loved ones by providing equipment for improving patient care.

Matthew Porter, events director at Sportive HQ, who organised the event, said: “I organise events throughout the year to get people out and about and help their local community. The reason behind choosing The Health Tree Foundation was because the baby of one of our regular cyclists spent time at Scunthorpe’s NICU.”

Scunthorpe NICU ward sister Sarah Judd said: “I was astounded by the number of bikers and the amount of money which they were able to raise from this fantastic event.”

Emma Spicer, ward sister at Grimsby hospital NICU, said: “I would like to thank Sportive HQ and everyone involved for their efforts supporting the Trust. We really appreciate it and so will the families who visit the units.”

Cyclists set off from Brigg Town FC’s ground on their chosen route of either 30 or 50 miles which took them through Caistor to the Lincolnshire Wolds and back.