Sore legs, 40 miles… and they never left the Co-op

A pair of Jersey care workers managed to cycle roughly the distance around the Island at the weekend… without making it out of a local supermarket.

A team from Christie’s Care took to exercise bikes at the Millennium Town Co-op in St Helier on Saturday to raise money for Jersey Hospice Care.

The sponsored static bike ride, held on 22 August, saw members of the care and office teams take turns on the bikes throughout the day, while encouraging shoppers to support the fundraiser and learn more about the work of Jersey Hospice Care.

Registered Manager of Christie’s Care Ltd, Stuart Waddingham, said he and a colleague spent around three hours cycling between them, covering an estimated 40 miles – roughly the equivalent of cycling around Jersey.

“It was definitely harder work than we anticipated, but we had such a lovely response from people throughout the day,” he said.

It was definitely harder work than we anticipated

Stuart Waddingham, Registered Manager of Christie’s Care

“Lots of people stopped to speak to us, ask what we were doing and, most importantly, donate to Jersey Hospice Care. 

“It was really nice to see how willing people were to support such an important local charity.”

A large amount of the money raised was donated directly into Jersey Hospice Care collection tubs at the event.

An online fundraising page also remains open for anyone wishing to contribute.

Christie’s Care provides visiting and live-in care across Jersey, supporting people who wish to remain living in their own homes.

Mr Waddingham said Jersey Hospice Care’s work was particularly meaningful to the company because of the nature of the care it provides.

“As a local care provider, Jersey Hospice Care is an organisation that means a great deal to us at Christies Care,” he said.

“We see first hand how important good care and support is to individuals and families, particularly at some of the most difficult times in their lives.

“So being able to do something, even if it involved some very sore legs afterwards, to support the Hospice was incredibly worthwhile.”

He added: “We’re really grateful to everyone who donated, stopped to encourage us or shared the fundraiser, and also to everyone who helped make the day possible.”