Three cycling enthusiasts are taking on a gruelling 150-mile cycle ride from Exeter to Land’s End in aid of Hospiscare.
The IT professionals from Nexus, a South West IT solutions company, will cycle through Devon and Cornwall along a hilly route, which is the equivalent of ascending and descending Ben Nevis three times.
The five-man team consists of: Nexus engineers Neale Frood (pictured), Simon Gammon and Mark Runciman; Operations Director John Brett; and Managing Director Stuart Wilson, who will join them for a leg of the two-day journey on June 23 and 24.
Stuart said: “There is strong support and admiration within Nexus for the care that Hospiscare provides. We have supported the charity for some time now – it’s become part of what makes us tick – and we will continue to support Hospiscare as a 40 Club member.”
Nexus recently joined the Hospiscare 40 Club to celebrate the charity’s 40th anniversary in 2022. The company joins 39 other businesses, who have each pledged to raise at least £1,000 towards the charity’s £40,000 fundraising target.
Since 1982, Hospiscare has provided free, expert palliative and end-of-life care, for those in need. By joining the 40 Club, businesses like Nexus, are helping Hospiscare care for over 2,500 terminally ill patients and their families across Exeter, Mid and East Devon.
Nexus Finance Director, David Murray, knows the importance of keeping charity’s like Hospiscare going. His younger brother James was diagnosed with grade 3 malignant glioma brain tumour on January 8, 2018.
David said: “My brother, known as Jim, served in the RAF and for 16 years as a policeman. He was a very proud and independent man; however, towards the end, the tumour affected his memory with dysphasia, to the extent he would mix up the names of everyday things. He also suffered with seizures.
“For the last few months of his life he was cared for at home by carers, who helped him retain as much dignity as possible, whilst allowing him to remain in his own home with his everyday things around him.”
David added: “The care demonstrated by Hospiscare, meant so much to our family, and it cannot be underestimated, nor will it ever be forgotten.” David’s brother sadly died on December 26 2020.
David’s brother-in-law, Neville (known as Nev), was undergoing treatment for bowel and liver cancer. When his treatment became ineffective, Nev opted to receive palliative care at home, before he passed away on June 1.
David said: “Hospiscare not only helps people in their final days, but it also helps their family to cope with losing them. Family members can see that their loved one is treated with respect and dignity, right to the end.” To support Nexus in their fundraising efforts, visit Nexus Open Systems LTD is fundraising for Hospiscare (justgiving.com). Nexus’ other fundraising plans include a 25 mile walking challenge from Axmouth to Exmouth.
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