Alex Tyson 3 Valleys Memorial Ride

The Alex Tyson 3 Valleys Memorial Ride took place on 18th September in 2010. The challenge was completed in memory of Alex Tyson. Alex was a keen cyclist, forming the Broughton Wheelers with like-minded friends, who take part in local and regional bike challenges. Alex bravely fought cancer for 2 years and sadly passed away in 2009 at the age of 45. Members of the Broughton Wheelers decided to host a mountain bike challenge in Alex’s memory. All of the 25 riders knew Alex as a friend, family
member or colleague.

The challenge was to cycle 50km off road from Broughton- in-Furness to Wast Water, by mountain bike, taking in the Duddon Valley, Eskdale and Wasdale – three of the Lake District’s most beautiful valleys.

All proceeds from the challenge were kindly donated to St Mary’s Hospice at Home service, who cared for Alex by day and importantly at night, in his last few weeks. £2500 was raised in sponsorship for the challenge and the team would like to thank all of the local businesses who supported the ride in their own way. Rider Paddy Gannon said “They helped us help St Mary’s Hospice.”

To date, approximately £6500 has been raised for St Mary’s in Alex’s memory by family, friends and
colleagues. St Mary’s would like to thank Alex’s loving wife, sister-in-law and niece for raising £1096, with the help of Haverigg Prison, by taking part in the St Mary’s Walk to Remember. A further £165 was raised when Alex’s colleagues decided to donate to the hospice rather than sending Christmas cards.

The help we receive from the local community is very special and it is what enables St Mary’s to continue to provide comprehensive supportive and palliative care for adults in South Cumbria. We cannot thank enough all of those who fundraised and gave in Alex’s memory to help support our work.