On Saturday 10 April I took part in a 10for10 challenge set by my friend Guy Opperman, MP for Hexham, to mark 10 years since he was diagnosed with a brain tumour after collapsing in the House of Commons.
By my side was Victor Buchanan from the White Swan in Pickering with Steve Collins accompanying us in a support van. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of constituents and businesses across Thirsk and Malton as donations poured in to support our efforts in aid of Ryedale Special Families.
I hadn’t been on a bike for a year so I felt pretty sore afterwards but it was worth every moment. I am so grateful to everyone who has sponsored me. The ride had a dual purpose which was to raise money for a brilliant charity, based in Old Malton, which supports families with disabled children, and also to show my support for our hard hit hospitality sector which can open outdoors again this week after a long challenging year. The pub landlords were wonderfully welcoming and generous in their donations. I had to manage with water on Saturday but I am definitely looking forward to a pint this week. I’d do it again but probably not next weekend!
Ryedale Special Families Chief Executive, Lisa Keenan said “Ryedale Special Families are very grateful to Kevin and his generous supporters for the hard work in raising this money for our charity. It is very welcome as the pandemic has seen a big drop in our traditional fundraising. This money will go to our new building fund which will provide an essential new resource for local families of children and young people with disabilities.”
The ride started in Husthwaite and included the Worsley Arms in Hovingham, the Hovingham Inn, the Grapes in Slingsby, Chapter 2 and the Royal Oak, and Wentworth Arms in Malton, the Black Swan and White Swan in Pickering, the Durham Ox at Crayke and the George Hotel in Easingwold.
If you haven’t donated and would like to you can do so here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kevinhollinrakecycle
