On Sunday 27th June, volunteer befriender and member of staff from Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin enjoyed a welcome home as they pass through Shrewsbury on day 5 out of 12 of their epic cycle ride to John O’Groats.
Befriending volunteer, Dean Suter and Emma Wilde, Senior Coordinator for Day Services at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin cycled in for a pit stop at Uffington Village hall and was welcomed with cheers from their friends, family and supporters.
They were joined by the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Julian Dean and Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, Heather Osborne who gave thanks for taking on such a huge challenge to raise funds to support older people across the county.
Good luck banners were made by members of Age UK STW day centres and dementia groups and entertainment was provided by members of the over 55’s adult ballet class with an elegant outdoor ballet performance.
Emma Wilde said: “As a member of the Day Services’ staff at Age UK STW, I have witnessed first-hand how hard the past 14 months have been for older people, those with dementia and their carers. Cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats is a gift and I’m humbled by all the support people have given and we send everyone a huge thank you for all their encouragement”.
After the break Emma & Dean cycled to their next stop in Market Drayton accompanied by a 20+ cycling escort made up of friends and family.
Catherine McCloy, Head of Income Generation said: “We are eternally grateful to people like Dean and Emma for taking up this challenge to raise much needed funds. It has been amazing to see the support given and we thank everyone who has contributed whether it has been a donation, messages of support or baking cupcakes for their journey – it is all very much appreciated”.
As an independent charity all donations will go directly to support older people in Telford & Shropshire if you would like to donate to Dean and Emma’s fundraiser visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dean-suter1
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/EmmaJIWilde
Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin thank all their fundraisers, especially during these past 14 months. For more information on Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin call 01743 233 123 or visit their website ageukstw.org.uk.
Emma & Dean with their escort of cyclists.
Emma & Dean with Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Heather Osborne and Mayor of Shrewsbury.