24 Oct 2022 Community

Angus cycles from London to Paris to raise funds for The Kirkwood

Angus John Rhodes went on a very special journey earlier this year, cycling from London to Paris and raising hundreds of pounds for The Kirkwood in the process.  

Angus, who is a dedicated cyclist, enjoyed taking on The Kirkwood’s London to Paris Cycle challenge and was pleased he took part. He signed up to the event in memory of his step mum, Elizabeth Mary Rhodes, who was cared for by our dedicated team. 

Elizabeth, who was in her late seventies, died on The Kirkwood's In-Patient Unit in 2018. Angus told us about the care she received.  

He said: "I wanted to this challenge in memory of my step mum, who had cancer. She was in The Kirkwood for around a month before she died. She had cancer in the bowel area."  

After seeing the challenge advertised, Angus couldn't wait to hop on his bike and get going.  

"I saw it advertised and I thought ‘why not let's do it'." he said.  

“I have always cycled and thought it was a great idea. It was a challenge in the fact you were on a bike for four straight days.  

"We started in Croydon, London, but due to train timings I had to cycle 18 miles from King's Cross Station to the start line the night before in the dark.  

"We set off on the Wednesday and should have done 84 miles but ended up doing 92 miles. It was very hilly on that first day but we managed to make it across to Calais."  

Whilst in France Angus cycled to the war memorial in Amiens to pay his respects, he says it's a day he won't ever forget.  

"The second day was the longest, we were supposed to be cycling 98 miles but ended up doing a 104 mile ride.  

"On the third day we only had 60 miles maximum to do but another chap who was doing the journey asked if I wanted to cycle to the war memorial close by.  

"So that's what we did, it was very moving, there are over 400 graves there with casualties from the first and second World Wars. You don't always see what's happened in the past and it was well worth visiting to take it in."  

Everyone involved with The Kirkwood is very proud of Angus's achievements.