Retford teen's cycle challenge in memory of those who lost lives to virus

Oli Shearman, 16, cycled 149km in memory of the people who have lost their lives to Covid-19 at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), and in doing so, has raised £895 for the trust’s charity.

Oli wanted to do something to support families who have been affected by the virus and, as an avid cyclist, thought he would cycle a kilometre in memory of every person who has passed away from Covid-19 at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital and Montagu Hospital.

Oli completed his challenge over a few days, cycling across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw taking pics along the way so the local community could follow his progress.

He said: “I wanted to do something to support my local NHS as my way of thanking them for all their hard work and dedication over the last few months and I also wanted to show them how much support they have.

“At the time of doing the challenge, 149 patients at the trust had lost their lives to Covid-19.

“My 149km ride finished outside Bassetlaw Hospital and I was really pleased to see so many staff there cheering me on, including paramedics who switched on their sirens to welcome me over the finish line.”

Emma Shaheen, fundraising lead at the trust, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support of our local communities over the last ten weeks, which has meant so much to our teams in these challenging times.

“Following Oli’s progress has been awe inspiring and we thank him for his efforts and thank everyone who supported him in raising money for our hospitals.

“The money Oli has raised will go to the trust’s ‘Rainbow Gardens’ appeal to develop memorial gardens to remember those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 at the trust, including two much loved colleagues.”

With a fundraising target of £35,000, the hospital t rust is asking local people to support this worthwhile cause by donating at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/doncaster-bassetlaw.