We are a group of cyclists who, to be perfectly honest, should have known better than to sign up to a 200+ mile ride in one day! The event is Chase the Sun, and it involves riding from Whitley Bay to Ayr in Scotland. Starting at Sun Rise 04:27 we have to make the 205 mile journey to the finishing point before official sunset at 22:05. The ride includes a whopping 10000+ feet of climbing. This event is also known as the longest day, and I’m sure it will feel like that by the end! So, we thought why not make the pain and soreness all the more worthwhile by raising money for a good cause. Our chosen cause is for a young lady called Yasmin. At only 16 years old she has been through what can only be described as a lot in her life already. She was diagnosed at the age of 2 with Cerebral Palsy (specifically Periventricular Leukomalacia), which resulted in her having a major operation lasting 6 hours at the age of 11. Yasmin has also had numerous stays at the Alice ward for physio, where she also learnt how to walk again. Yasmin has asked for the money to go to Gobowen hospital and in particularly the Alice ward who are trying to raise money to improve the garden so that all the children have access to it, regardless of their mobility. The appeal is called ‘Garden for Alice’. We do understand that the cost of living is increasing and impacting us all in different ways, however we are asking everyone, that can, to dig deep and donate to support this very worthwhile young lady and thus encourage us to make the finish line!

A Garden for Alice has been created specifically for young people with their interests and needs in mind. Who better to relate, than a young landscape designer Olivia Copley, who is passionate about developing an outdoor space for all on Alice Ward. Olivia is collaborating with Alice Ward staff, patients and families on how to create the best garden for everyone. Accessibility, safety, freedom of space and style, colours and themes are all important factors when designing a garden for young people. Focus groups have been a great way to understand the needs of patients, family members and staff and has helped Olivia to tailor the design to these ideas.