Cycling to all the GM Age UK’s
Published on 09 August 2024 01:17 PM
Age UK Salford is celebrating 50th Anniversary and to complement the festivities, several fundraising feats have been organised by friends and family and staff.
Emma Smith, from the Age UK Salford Dementia Support Team, set a challenge for herself and her friend Geoff Blunt to cycle to all the local Age UKs in Greater Manchester in a day to promote the anniversary fundraiser. The 80-mile route took them to Age UK Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Tameside, Stockport, Manchester, Trafford and back home to Salford and they were cheered on by colleagues from each of these organisations along the way and have set the bar for future fundraising initiatives.
Emma Rose, Transition and Development Director at Age UK Salford said: “we’ve been working on the celebrations for several months and we were really excited when Emma suggested the ride and also that it tied in with all other local GM Age UK’s.”
It was an early start on Friday 12th July setting off from Eccles.
Emma and Geoff have had several other charitable adventures together. They have previously cycled to London towing a cycle trailer with a huge patchwork blanket raising funds for BLISS and they’ve also completed the coast to coast ride.
The first stage - 17 miles on the flat along the canal to Age UK Wigan Borough. From Wigan, next stop was Age UK Bolton.
It was an off-road route from Bolton to Bury and they were greeted at the Jubilee Centre by Age UK Bury alongside staff, volunteers and trustees.
Age UK Oldham greeted Emma and Geoff with a welcome sign, bunting and a buffet at the Over 60’s Club in Chadderton.45 miles down and 30 miles left.
They set off to Ashton and Age UK Tameside, who are also celebrating their 50th Anniversary.
Next stop, Age UK Stockport and unfortunately the office had closed when they arrived and on to Manchester. They found the Age UK Manchester minibus for a photo opportunity, as the day centre provision had closed for the day. Two stops to go.
At Age UK Trafford’s office in Urmston, although the office was closed, Jane Bevan, Age UK Salford Communications and Marketing Manager had dashed over from Eccles to catch them.
The home stretch and to Eccles in 14 minutes – the taste of the finish line was in reach. They arrived and the Age UK Salford office shutters were down and not many people were about.
The final sprint finish had thrown off Dave and Emma’s family with their speedy arrival in Eccles. They didn’t have to wait too long before they arrived. Dave presented Emma and Geoff with engraved cycling trophies and thanked them both for their amazing effort. The staff in the office at Age UK Salford had been avidly following their journey all day via social media.
They’d cycled 80 miles, averaging 11.6 mph with a 4,600 ft climb and raised £1,575 for Age UK Salford.
Emma and Geoff extended thanks to everyone who sponsored them and for all the encouragement along the way.
If you would like to get involved, there are lots of things you can do. See how you can give back and support our charity in our short video.
Whether you want to give your time by volunteering, make a financial donation or take part in a fundraising event we always welcome support.