Cycling through wind, rain and glorious sunshine at times, a team of ‘Oakland and Friends’ battled to complete their 200-mile cycling challenge from Brighton to Warwick raising nearly £30,000, and as a whole group of 50-cycalists raised over £81,000 for children’s charity Molly Ollys!
Over the course of 3-days the cyclists suffered injury, blisters, punctures, and tested their endurance as they cycled up the many steep hills as the route progressed, with each stage a new cycling challenge.
Oakland and Friends team member and Molly Ollys ambassador Samuel Attwell said: “On behalf of us all we want to thank everyone for supporting us and the whole Molly Ollys 2024 cycling team as your donations will make such a huge difference to so many children living with a life-threatening illness.
“This money will now help grant 125 wishes for children with life threatening illnesses. THANK YOU!”
Molly Ollys supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families helping with their emotional wellbeing. They fulfil wishes by providing gifts to individual children, donating their therapeutic toy ‘Olly The Brave’ and his story books, donate and support bespoke projects such as funding a Paediatric Palliative Care Consultant, and by furnishing the Magnolia House palliative care facility, at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and so much more.
Molly Olly’s Rachel Ollerenshaw commented: “This year’s ride was certainly a challenge, but all the cyclists dug deep through difficult conditions because they wanted to make a difference. We had talked on Thursday night about the children we help and shared individual stories, this certainly helped to spur them on, knowing what these children go through on a day-to-day basis when undergoing treatment. A massive thanks to all the ‘Oakland and Friends’ team who contributed in so many ways and to all their supporters. A phenomenal achievement!”
Harlee, aged 3 was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and her treatment involves numerous visits to hospital over a long period of time which means missing out on the everyday fun things. The family got in touch to request a trip to CBeebies Land to give them something to look forward to.
Harlee absolutely loved it and mum, Lisa said: “Honestly, we can’t thank you enough for Harlee’s granted wish. She was absolutely amazed by the whole weekend especially meeting the real Bing and having her own Bing room. It was truly magical for her and filled her with so much happiness. Thank you once again.”
Oakland International Group CEO Shaun Foley added: “Every member of the Team wants to express their sincere gratitude for everyone’s support.”