Intrepid cyclist Rob Case has just completed a mammoth cycle ride in memory of his much-loved brother Andrew.
His sibling passed away suddenly last year at the age of 48.
A true Stroudie, popular Andrew was a well-known face on the running and cycling scene and a self-employed planning consultant.
“Following the unexpected death of my brother Andrew Case, one year ago, it cemented in my mind that I wanted to set myself a physical challenge to raise some money for charity in his memory.
“Having lost another brother to a heart condition when I was just seven and also my best friend five years ago, it felt that now was the chance to push myself, remembering them but also to raise some money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a charity that is close to the heart in the circumstances, providing support not just to me but me extended family in this time of need.
“I have been fortunate to have been the recipient of heart screening recently and I felt that I wanted to give something back to help others in the future, accordingly I took on this challenge to raise funds for CRY.
“So, this year as I turned as old as there are Church of England Cathedrals (in England) it seemed like a good idea to try to cycle between them all. Breaking the challenge down into seven separate legs (which started in May from Gloucester Cathedral before) following the designated route between the Cathedrals which makes up the official Cathedrals Cycle Route. I have slowly but surely been ticking each Cathedral off the list, getting stamps in my Pilgrim Passport to provide a keepsake for years to come.
“In total, I covered 1,934 miles in 23 days of cycling and I have climbed over 27,000 meters (over three times the height of Everest)!
“Some journeys were tougher than others, there always seemed to be a headwind and when you have fixed your dates in the calendar you have no choice with the weather.
“I have cycled through a heatwave and a summer storm! It would not have been possible without the support of friends and family who helped with each leg. I finally finished at Gloucester Cathedral to the sound of the bells ringing out with 12 cycling friends and a crowd to welcome me of family, family friends and colleagues.
“A massive thank you to those that have supported me. It has been a fantastic experience, a massive physical and mental challenge and most importantly I have raised more than £4000 + gift aid for such a great charity.
“This journey has meant a lot to me and my family in what has been a challenging time and we are all proud of what I have achieved. I am hopeful that some of the funds raised will go to helping other avoid the type of situations my family have had to deal with in our lifetime.”
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