Hospital worker's 700-mile ride charity ride

A Frimley Park Hospital worker is pedalling for pounds on an epic six-day bike ride in support of two local charities.

Stroke service improvement manager Chris Barrett set off on Sunday 2 July on a 700-mile journey through France, from Paris to Nice, in this year’s Tour de Frimley fundraiser.

The money he raises will be split between the Stroke Appeal at Frimley Park Hospital and the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham.

The Stroke Appeal, run by the Frimley Health Charity, launched this year and aims to raise £320,000 towards expanding and refurbishing the stroke unit at Frimley Park.

Last year’s Tour de Frimley saw 16 cyclists and their support crew travel 1,000km through northern France, raising around £30,000 towards a new dedicated breast care unit that will be built at Frimley Park.

This year Chris is riding solo and has set himself a fundraising target of £5,000.

He is receiving medical support from Frimley Park consultant Isabella Karat and mechanical support from multidisciplinary team co-ordinator Barry Disney.

Chris said: “This year is a very different challenge - 700 miles riding solo with my trusted, hand-picked support team.

“This is the longest distances I will have ever covered and over the shortest time, without a rest day.

“Next year I should be back again with the team cycling challenge for the Frimley Health Charity’s Stroke Appeal.”

Tour de Frimley 2017 is sponsored by local firms Brooks & Partners Solicitors in Frimley, Geared Up Cycles in Ash Vale, Brandtastic in Fleet and Parkside Suite, Frimley.

You can sponsor Chris online at his virginmoneygiving page.