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12
Mar 2022
Starbeck nurses to embark on mammoth charity cycle ride
Starbeck nurses Andy Dennis and Tracey Hill are to embark on a mammoth 2000km charity cycle ride from Amsterdam to Gibraltar.
The trip is to raise money for a charity close to their hearts, which offers vital medical care for those who need it around the world.
The couple hopes the journey will raise £30,000 for Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
An impressive £115,000 has already been raised for the charity to reach their overall target of £200,000, which was set in 2010.
It's the third major fundraising effort they have undertaken for MSF. In 2011, Mr Dennis walked from Amsterdam to Barcelona and in 2016, the couple cycled across the USA.
Ms Hill said:
Ukraine crisis
MSF's medical teams act fast to save people’s lives in conflict zones, natural disasters and epidemics and go to where they are needed most.
MSF works in over 70 countries and has health workers in Ukraine at the moment.
Mr Dennis has worked in Uganda, South Sudan and Sierra Leone for MSF
Specialist teams are in hospitals in the war-torn country treating wounded people, providing surgical care, emergency medicine and mental health support.
Mr Dennis said donations big or small are greatly appreciated.
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'All about grit'
The trip will take three months, which they will break up so they have time to rest and connect with local media outlets to promote the fundraiser.
Mr Dennis is an ICU nurse at Harrogate District Hospital and Ms Hill is a dermatology nurse at York Hospital. Both of their employers have supported them by giving them time off with some unpaid leave.
Ms Hill said the endurance trip will be "all about grit".
Mr Dennis added:
Proud Starbeck man
Mr Dennis has a reputation in Harrogate as a caring and compassionate member of the local community.
The proud Starbeck man said, "I'm not Bob Geldof", but wants to show how anyone can make a difference in the world.
He said:
All money raised for the trip, which they have called Ride To The Rock, will go to the MSF and the couple will pay for all expenses themselves. It will start in May.
They are also looking for corporate sponsors too. You can email Andy at andy4msf@pm.me for more information.
Their websites are www.andy4msf.com and www.thecyclingnurse.co.uk
To donate, visit the JustGiving page.
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