Cyclists smash fundraising target for Horatio's Garden 1100 mile ride
Five intrepid cyclists set off from Musgrove Hospital, Belfast on Sunday 24th July, to undertake a mammoth 1100 mile journey, visiting 11 spinal injury centres in just 11 days to raise funds for Horatio’s Garden, a charity that installs beautiful gardens in spinal injury units across the United Kingdom.
The cyclists smashed their original fundraising target set at £50,000 and have so far raised an almost £80,000, with more donations still being pledged.
The charity is named after Horatio Chapple who was tragically killed on an expedition 11 years ago in Svlabard, aged 17.
Sponsored by Red Savannah, Sturgeon Capital and Cogent, the cycle challenge commemorates the 10 year anniversary of the first Horatio’s Garden that was created at the Spinal Treatment Centre in the Duke of Cornwall Hospital, Salisbury.
The 11 day challenge started in Belfast and ended in Salisbury on Thursday August 4th. The challenge was undertaken by Horatio’s brother, Titus Chapple, Toby Morgan-Grenville, a former patient at The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury, along with Horatio Chapple’s best friend Robin Butler, Olivia Caplan and Mortimer McKechnie.
Olivia Chapple, mother of Horatio and CEO of the charity, said: “We are thrilled and humbled by the level of support we have received during this incredibly tough and physical challenge. I am so proud of the team, their commitment has been unfailing and their enthusiasm has never wavered no matter how big the hill or heavy the downpour.
“Travelling with the team and connecting all 11 spinal centres with each other has been an absolute privilege. Talking with the incredible NHS staff has been particularly valuable, understanding what they get from the gardens as well as linking all the specialist centres, has brought us all a huge amount of joy. These gardens are evidence-based to improve psychological, physical and emotional outcomes for patients, their families and also improve NHS staff enjoyment of their job and wellbeing. The extra money raised will secure further Horatio’s Gardens for the 5 remaining spinal injury units, we couldn’t be happier.”
As the team cycled towards Salisbury on the last day of the challenge, the route took them to Longford Estate, home of their Patron, The Countess of Radnor. Here they were joined by Viscount Folkestone and his sister, Lady Skye Pleydell Bouverie and award-winning garden designer and TV presenter, Arit Anderson.
Arit said:” I was thrilled to be asked to join the team for the final leg of this epic challenge. The team’s enthusiasm and energy were infectious, and it was a pleasure to be a small part of their journey.
“There is no doubting the incredible healing and restorative power that gardens can offer and raising funds to bring more gardens, to benefit more people, was a privilege.”
There are currently six Horatio’s Gardens open across the UK, with the newest Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland in Belfast due to open to patients, their loved ones and NHS staff in 2023. The charity’s mission is to establish a Horatio’s Garden in all 11 NHS spinal injury centres in the UK.
To support the 11-day Horatio’s Cycle challenge, please visit www.horatiosgarden.org.uk/horatioscycle and follow their journey on Instagram at @horatioscycle.