DONCASTER’S PEDEL POWER RAISING THOUSANDS FOR CHARITY

Eight ambitious businessmen are taking on 135 miles to show their support to a little Doncaster girl who is currently undergoing rehabilitation after fighting cancer.

Chris Morrey and his seven teammates will be saddling up on July 10 to raise as much money as possible for a charity that has provided emotional support for Ellie Newitt, 13, by keeping her family by her side throughout her treatment at Sheffield Children's Hospital.

The Sick Children's Trust provided Mum Marie and her family with free accommodation and practical support at their 'Home from Home' Treetop House, a lift ride away from the ward Ellie was being treated on.

On hearing Ellie's story, Doncaster Roundtable wanted to make a difference to other families from Doncaster who may need the same services. Chris, Chairman of Doncaster Roundtable, is heading up the team. He says:

"We first heard of Ellie's story through a client of mine and she suggested we support the Newitt family by fundraising for The Sick Children's Trust. When I spoke with Marie it was clear that the charity was making a significant difference to her experiences by keeping her close to her daughter at such a hard time. Although Doncaster and Sheffield may not seem too far apart, when your child is sick, you want to be with them throughout it all."

The team will be cycling the 135 miles over three days from Whitehaven to Sunderland. The lineup, which includes six non-cyclists, are hoping to raise £3,500 which will help part-fund the refurbishment of Treetop House's kitchen, and treatment for Ellie. Chris continues:

"We all wanted to do something that would be challenging but achievable to the novice cyclist. We are splitting the cycle up evenly but Day Two has a few extra miles which could be tough. All in all, we're ready to take on this challenge for brave Ellie and the charity."

Fortunately, Ellie is now in rehabilitation in Tadworth, but Marie and her family are continuing to support The Sick Children's Trust to thank them for their help. House Manager, Ann Wyatt says:

"It's a great thing to see people coming together to do something positive. What the Doncaster Roundtable are doing for Ellie and ourselves is absolutely fantastic and will make such a difference to families from all over the country. We wish them the best of luck."

The Sick Children's Trust runs two houses that support the Sheffield Children's Hospital, both of which are located on the hospital's grounds. Over the last year, the charity has supported 3,500 families, 600 of which were from Yorkshire alone.

If you would like to support Chris and the team, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/Andy-Booth5