Double charity attempt
After only starting running and cycling in the last 18 months, David and Beth Bray are attempting a double challenge this year. In April, they are running the London Marathon in aid of FLEET, and then, in July, cycling from London to Paris, raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
David said: “We’d had thoughts of running the marathon, and, after speaking to Norman Trebilcock, FLEET General Manager, our minds were made up.
“When I was young, our family was all involved with the St John Ambulance Brigade, with dad rising to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Cornwall. I can remember him being on call evenings and weekends, and I can vividly picture the old Bedford ambulance, with no sirens back then, but instead a big silver bell on top of the bonnet.
“Ambulances have come on leaps and bounds since then, and FLEET exists to raise funds to continually update their equipment throughout Cornwall.”
If ambulances reflect Ron’s past, sadly Alzheimer’s disease is now his present. “Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a few years ago, and although he remains happy in himself, it’s sad to see the effect this disease has on both the person themselves, and their family and friends, so we were very keen to raise funds for the Society.
“As I prefer cycling to running, I’m really looking forward to this challenge. Our biggest problem at the moment though is getting snorkels long enough for when we cross the channel.
“On a more serious note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who asks after dad. There isn’t a day that goes by without people asking how he is, and this is so touching, and shows us how highly he is thought of.”
Tags: Alzheimer's, Beth Bray, bike, charity, Cornwall, Cycling, David Bray, FLEET, St John Ambulance