Days to go before memorial bike ride helps raise money for Swanswell
There’s only a few days to go until a sponsored bike ride takes place to remember a Coventry mother who died last year after falling ill, and to raise money for Swanswell.
Jessica Smith contacted the national recovery charity – which wants to achieve a society free from problem alcohol and drug use – about her plans for a memorial bike ride after her mother, Jane Smith, had previously accessed support from the city-based service.
The event is set to take place on Sunday 22 June 2014 and will involve cycling around eight city highlights, starting at the Ricoh Arena at 9am before taking in sites including Coventry Cathedral, Lady Godiva Statue and Memorial Park.
The 21-year-old wants to raise £1,400 for a plot at St. Paul’s cemetery, so she and her brother Joseph have somewhere they can go to sit with their mum, who died in June 2013.
Jessica has also decided to donate any money raised over the original target to Swanswell to help other people affected by problem alcohol – or drug – use after her mother received support from the Coventry service a few years ago.
Jessica said: ‘Anyone who has lost a close friend or family member will know how hard it is to deal with. Unfortunately for me and my brother, we’ve not been able to save enough money for an area for friends and family to pay their respects.
‘So, we decided to have a memorial bike ride to help contribute towards those costs and also to raise money for Swanswell, who had previously given my mum some fantastic support when she needed it – for which we’re very grateful.
‘We hope some of the money raised will go towards helping others who might benefit from the support my mum had.’
In total, 15 residents have signed up to take part in the 19.7-mile bike ride around Coventry.
Jessica added: ‘We’d love to make the memorial bike ride a regular feature in Coventry to raise money for good causes such as Swanswell. It’s the perfect way to remember my mum, while helping to make a difference to other people’s lives.’
For more information or supporting photographs, contact:
Stuart Goodwin
PR and Public Policy Manager
Swanswell
Suite 5
Hilton House
Corporation Street
Rugby
CV21 2DN
T 01788 559422
M 07531 490490
stuart.goodwin@swanswell.org
www.swanswell.org
@swanswell
About Swanswell
At Swanswell, we believe in a society free from problem alcohol and drug use; that everyone deserves the chance to change and be happy.
We’re a market leading charity with an exciting programme of innovative new service developments and a team of committed people who are working hard to achieve our ambitions.
Swanswell has a number of offices across the country including Coventry and Warwickshire, Birmingham, Barnsley, Sandwell, Leicestershire and Rutland. Visit Swanswell at: www.swanswell.org.
Join the conversation, follow Swanswell on twitter at www.twitter.com/Swanswell.
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