SACA cycle for children with cancer is a success

On Saturday 16 July, around 200 cyclists set off on a 126-mile charity bike ride from Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, arriving at their destination in Southall the following day.

The bike ride, organised by the Sikh Arts and Cultural Association (SACA) is raising money to create a place to stay for the families of children and young people with cancer who receive treatment at QEHB. Called SACA’s Home From Home, it will be a five-minute walk from the hospital, enabling parents, siblings and loved ones to be close by while their children or relatives receive radiotherapy treatment or stay on the Teenage Cancer Trust Young Persons Unit.

Last year, SACA and its supporters raised a staggering £71,173.26 for QEHB Charity’s The VIP Treatment appeal, which provides added extras for children receiving radiotherapy at the hospital, and they are hoping to raise a similar amount this year.

QEHB Charity Chief Executive Mike Hammond joined the riders in their fundraising efforts this year, completing the journey with the rest of the SACA team in Southall, London, on Sunday 17 July. He said: “I’m really excited that SACA has once more chosen to support children and young people with cancer at QEHB – so excited I signed up for the bike ride myself! It’s been a challenge preparing for a 126-mile cycle but so rewarding; everyone’s infectious enthusiasm and generosity has made the bike ride not just worthwhile but fun. Thank you, SACA, for your continued and invaluable support of children with cancer.”

You can still sponsor Mike’s bike ride at justgiving.com/mikebike2016, with all donations going towards SACA’s Home From Home.

Read more about how QEHB Charity supports children and young people with cancer at qehb.org/youngpeoplewithcancer