Cyclists ride for baby unit

A massive 250 people put pedal power to the test and raised a huge £2,500 for the neonatal intensive care unit at Grimsby hospital.

The big-hearted money spinners, including nurses from both Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals, jumped in the saddle on December 28 and completed a 50-mile ride which started and finished at Brigg Football Club.

The event was organised within the space of a month by Sportive HQ’s commercial organiser Matthew Porter. He said: “I knew it was a risk but I thought let’s go for it and see what happens.”

Ward manager at Grimsby’s neonatal intensive care unit Emma-Jane Spicer said: “The money raised will help towards purchasing equipment that will improve the care of babies nursed on the neonatal intensive care units.” 

Matthew added: “The NICU is close to many of the riders’ hearts, especially after the unit gave excellent care to one of my colleagues when she had her baby.” ”

The event had originally been organised for 200 cyclists, but sold out so quickly that Matt raised the number to 250.

Matthew said: “The event is already in such high demand that in 2016 we will do the same again but on a bigger scale!”