In February 1998, Maureen Lawson’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus. His health deteriorated quickly, and in July, he was admitted to LOROS, where he died a few days later aged 59.
Both Maureen, and their daughter Rachael, who had just finished her first year at university, wanted to find a way of raising money for the Hospice to thank them for all they did for Jim. Over the following months, they began brainstorming ways they could go about doing this.The Lawson family had always been very musical, with Maureen having a love of traditional jazz and the classics, Jim playing brass and drums in various bands, and Rachael being an accomplished clarinet player and saxophonist. It was this love for music that led them to organising their first ‘Classics to Jazz’ concert in 2000. The concerts, which Rachael herself plays in, have always been successful, raising hundreds of pounds at a time for LOROS.
Last year's concert had to be postponed at very short notice due to health reasons, and this year, Rachael and Maureen were hoping to get back on track. Everything was arranged for the concert to take place on April 4th, but yet again it had to be postponed, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Maureen knew she wanted to do something to make up for cancellations and thought long and hard for an idea to raise the money the concert would have generated. As Rachael and Maureen were due to go to Norfolk for a few days after the concert, an idea started to develop…
Maureen is 79, with various long-term health and mobility issues and uses computerised pedals as part of her daily exercise. With this in mind, she decided to do a virtual cycle ride from LOROS to Norfolk and back.
When Maureen set off on May 6th, it really was a journey into the unknown, as she hadn’t managed to pedal more than two miles a day before then! Rachael set off from Hull at the same time, ready to complete the journey if Maureen couldn’t.
Their "Journey" to Norfolk and back ended at LOROS. as planned. on July 19th, which coincided with the 22nd Anniversary of the death of Maureen’s husband, Jim.
They have raised an absolutely amazing £1610 which includes Maureen’s 7-year-old granddaughter’s gift of £10 of her birthday money because she is so proud of how her Granny has pedalled!
This far exceeds their original £500 target and Maureen and Rachel would like to say a big thank you to everyone who very kindly helped them to achieve this.
Debbie Dickman, Supporter Engagement Co-ordinator at LOROS, added: "We are all thrilled that Maureen and Rachel were able to complete their journey and received such wonderful support from their family and friends.
"The money they raised could pay for one of our specialist nurses to deliver vital care to patients for more than two weeks and we are so grateful for their continued support."
