Pedal power to raise vital funds

24/04/2007

A devoted boyfriend has organised a cycle ride to raise money for the ward at Broomfield Hospital which cared for his partner before she died.

Darren Howe, from Cheviot Drive, Chelmsford lost his girlfriend Julie Miller, 42, in March after she died of a stroke.

Now he plans to raise vitals funds for B20, the stroke ward at Broomfield Hospital which treated Julie before she died, by taking part in a gruelling 37-mile sponsored cycle ride on July 15th.

Julie worked as an assistant accountant at Essex & Suffolk Water for 18 years and to kick start Darren’s fundraising efforts, the company has donated £500 towards the ride.

The event will start at Broomfield Hospital and finish at Arsenal Football Club’s Emerites Stadium as Julie was a huge fan of the team.

Darren, 39, said: “Julie was a passionate Arsenal fan so this is a fitting tribute to a woman who touched so many hearts.

“I wanted to give something back to the ward as they looked after Julie so well.”

So far, 38 people have signed up to take part in the charity cycle ride and Darren, a transport manager, is still on the look out for more participants.

The cash raised will go towards buying the very latest stroke equipment to enhance the treatment  and care given to patients on the stroke unit.

Brian Olley, distribution manager at Essex & Suffolk Water said: “We were all saddened by the loss of Julie and are very pleased to be able to help Darren with his fundraising efforts.”