Thank you for visiting our fundraising page.

Fiona Neil was a well respected & well loved friend & manager for National Express Employees at Newcastle Railway station.  She was sadly taken from us suddenly on May the 14th 2009, due to a brain haemorrhage. 

As a fanatical cyclist herself, Fiona enjoyed cycling holidays & was responsible for raising money for various charities through many sponsored Bike Rides.  Shortly before Fionas passing, she spoke to some of us regarding her wish to do another charity bike ride, which she hoped to do later this year.

Therefore, as a suitable tribute to Fiona, a group of NXEC employees have arranged a charity bike ride in her honour, carrying out her wish!

This ride will take place on the 20th of June, starting at Newcastle Railway station at 10:00 am.  The ride will follow Route 72 on the Sustrans Cycle Network to Tynemouth & back.  This ride will be approx 20 miles & will be aimed at remembering Fiona, having fun & most importantly raising money for this worthwhile Charity. 

Anybody who wishes to take part, is welcome to either donate money on this page or various Sponsor forms around Newcastle Station & Travel Centre OR even better, turn up on the day, get on your bike or just simply cheer us on  .

Those participating so far are;

Ian Bament-NXEC York

Alex Mannifield-NXEC York

Andy Lamont-NXEC Edinburgh

John Taff-NXEC Newcastle

Gair Harvey-NXEC Berwick

Val Blakeburn-NXEC Newcastle

Julie Foy- NXEC Newcastle

Lorna Currie-NXEC Newcastle

Diane Smallwood-NXEC Newcastle

Rob Robinson-NXEC Newcastle

Darren Robson-NXEC Newcastle

Norman Duncan-NXEC Newcastle

Christopher Duncan-Student Newcastle

Steve Mullen- NXEC Newcastle

Dionne Gray-NXEC Newcastle

Jasbinder Holait-NECA South Sheilds

Kran Brooks-NXEC Newcastle

Nadia Rafi-NXEC Newcastle

 

The ride took place on Sat June 20^th. There were 18 of us in total taking part.

We left Central Station at 10:30ish & without any injuries, arrived at Priory at 12:30!

The “Professionals” obviously beat the slower (lazier) cyclists but enjoyed the LONG rest waiting for us to catch up!

After a leisurely lunch of Fish & Chips, we began our journey home at 13:45!

Torrential rain impeded our journey but didn’t dampen our spirits & we had a beer in our hand at The at 15:45!

We were very grateful that David Neil, Fiona’s brother, joined us on the Bike Ride. He told us that Fiona would be very proud of us all & the money we have raised for a worthwhile Charity, Brainwave.

Thank you to everyone that sponsored & supported us. We are currently in the process of collecting in the sponsor money so please can your hand your donation to the Saddle-sore person you sponsored! J 

Alternatively, it is not too late to sponsor us at www.justgiving.com/valerieblakeburn

Once all the monies are in, we will update you on the total amount raised.

Thanks again!

The Charity Bike Ride Team

 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Brainwave gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you for your support.