A GROUP of students have completed a gruelling 250-mile charity cycle ride from Shropshire to Melrose in memory of four of their friends.
Funds raised will go to charities in the memory of Mark Simons, Charles May, Len Eadon and George Crawford, who all attended Harper Adams University.
Melrose was the chosen destination as it was the home town of George Crawford was killed in a tragic road accident in October 2018 at the age of 20.
The George Crawford Legacy Trust was set up in his memory and aims to provide opportunities for young people, of all abilities, and from all walks of life, to reach their full potential.
The riders were Josh Fulton, Will Pearson, Jack Daley, Rod Philips, Eddie Foreman, Alex Hall and Oliver Smith with James Perry and Maisie Wildgoose providing support.
The journey began at the university building at 7am on Tuesday, April 12 and concluded in the Borders town on the Thursday night, just in time for the Melrose Sevens.
The students stayed with George’s parents Cameron and Mary who had done the journey in the opposite direction in 2019.
Initially, they hoped to raise £2,000 to be divided equally amongst three charities but that sum was quickly surpassed and now exceeds £10,000.
Josh Felton, from Donegal, said: “I’d only done 30 miles of training before we started so it was tough going but that’s how it should be. I knew all four guys, including George, and we were in the same halls in the first-year and we had some good times.
“The ride had been planned for two years, ever since George’s parents cycled from Melrose to the University in 2019. We felt we should do the journey the other way but it was delayed due to COVID.
“I love rugby so it was great to attend the Melrose Sevens and, in fact, I spotted Charlie Worth who is also from Donegal standing outside a pub. He was playing for Samurai and actually scored the last try in the final against the British Army.
“The money will be divided between the George Crawford Legacy Trust in memory of George, the Edale Mountain Rescue in memory of Charles and the Farming Community Network in memory of Len and Mark.”
Fellow rider Will Pearson said: “George stayed in the next room to me in the halls of residence and it was a massive shock to everyone when he died. Josh and Eddie did most of the planning and it was a brilliant idea. It was fitting that we ended up in Melrose which was George’s home town and his parents kindly put us for our stay.”
Harper Adams University vice-chancellor, Professor Ken Sloan, discussed the group’s planned cycle ride with them at an event last week and has given them his backing.
He said: “The University offers its full support to these students as they undertake this arduous challenge in memory of Charles, George, Len and Mark.We hope that the funds raised provide comfort to each family as they can see the benefits that will be brought to many others. We are proud of the many acts of charity that Harper Adams University students complete each year.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the group’s fundraising efforts can do so at www.gofundme.com/f/250-mile-Harper-to-Melrose-Charity-Bike-Ride
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