Dr Samuel Parker, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Psychology at Cygnet Appletree in County Durham and Cygnet Hospital Hexham, took part in the Angel2Angel Ride, a four-day cycling challenge in aid of Making Fitness Accessible CIC.
Joined by a team of 39 riders, Samuel cycled from the Angel of the North in Gateshead to The Angel Centre in Colchester, covering 500km over four consecutive days to raise funds for a sensory gym and multi-use activity space for children with disabilities.
Collectively, the group has now raised an incredible £58,578, surpassing their original fundraising target of £50,000.
Making Fitness Accessible CIC is a non-profit organisation that creates inclusive and accessible physical activity opportunities for marginalised communities, including people with disabilities, mental health needs and long-term health conditions. Funds raised through the challenge will support the development of specialist facilities at The Angel Centre.
The challenge tested riders both physically and mentally, with four consecutive days of long-distance cycling completed during exceptionally high temperatures.
Reflecting on the experience, Samuel said: “Completing the challenge on record breaking days of heat made the physical aspect of the challenge more than doubly hard. The heat and trying to stay hydrated was extremely difficult to manage although we did.”
He added: “This meant it was hard to stay physically on top of the challenge but also brought new mental challenges to the long days on the saddle especially when there was no shade or respite from the sun and heat.”
Samuel was inspired to take part by the work of Making Fitness Accessible CIC and its mission to create inclusive spaces where everyone can access the benefits of physical activity, regardless of their circumstances or abilities.
One of the highlights of the ride came at the finish line, where participants had the opportunity to meet some of the people and families who will benefit from the new facilities.
Samuel said: “It was truly heart warming and touching at the end to meet the people and families that use the centre and see how much community and togetherness the space provides.”
Samuel, who also works as Clinical Lead for Psychology across Cygnet Health Care’s North East region, said his work at Cygnet helped inspire him to support charitable causes.
He added: “Working at Cygnet has shown me how great it is to support causes big and small, locally and nationally. Everyone does their part in fundraising to help others and this has spurred me on to raise funds for another charity.”
To find out more about the fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/angelride26