THE day is nearly here for team of Frome firefighters and Lisa’s Army to embark on a 200-mile charity bike ride to France at the end of this month. To continue raising awareness and funds, the team set up camp at the Frome Independent on Sunday 2nd April with their bikes, sponsored kit, a fire engine and a Lisa’s Army stall.
Three Frome firefighters and one member of Lisa’s Army, Tim Wells, who is Lisa’s dad, will be pedalling off from the fire station in Keyford, on Saturday 29th April to cycle to Chateau-Gontier in France, in memory of Lisa who died in 2019 from bowl cancer. Funds raised will be split between Lisa’s Army – which helps terminally ill cancer patients to create ever-lasting memories – and the Firefighters Charity, which supports the families of serving and retired firefighters.
Tim said, “For me the ride started as an off the cuff comment from my good friend Steve George whilst out on a cycle ride one day. As Lisa was poorly at the time and Steve had good links with the twin town of Chateau-Gontier and their fire brigade, we said we could try to ride there and make some money for Lisa’s Army and the fire service.
“I thought the challenge was hard but, as Lisa was going through her chemo and took it in her stride and never complained, I thought this is nothing compared to what she is going through. Due to Covid it was postponed but three years on, we are giving it a go.”
Steve George who is retiring from the fire service this month and embarking on ‘one last challenge’ with the fire brigade said, “We planned to do this three years ago then the pandemic happened. We are now three years down the line and it must be done.
“It’s going to be quite a challenge for us definitely because we are three years older, although there’s a couple of youngsters in the team who are taking it in their stride. It’s going to take us three days hopefully and we have got a welcoming party in Chateau-Gontier with some of the firefighters there who are going to cycle some of the way with us. During the cycle we will meet with some old friends and celebrate a safe arrival when we get to Chateau-Gontier.
“We have had a few months to prepare and have gone out a couple of times. We have not put ourselves under loads of pressure regarding timings. We’ve got three full days to do 200 miles, that’s 60-70 miles a day and should be achievable. Let’s hope it all works out.
“The poignancy is there from three years ago when Lisa unfortunately passed away. It was an idea that myself and Tim came up with then. Then it became more serious. It’s about trying to keep her memory alive and support the charity she set up.”
The team will be setting off around 8am from the fire station on 29th April, and welcome anyone who wants to gather there, to wave them off.
Lisa’s Army was set up by Lisa when she was going through treatment, to raise money for her children’s future. Then when she died Lisa’s family continued with the charity work, to fulfil the vision of helping terminally ill cancer patients to create ever-lasting memories.
In April 2020, Lisa’s Army became a registered charity and now offers a range of different experiences for those with cancer including: beauty treatments and pamper packages; photo shoots and capturing memories; Red letter excursions and bespoke individual interest events.
Local people have been donating towards to the charities and the Lisa’s Army team recently held a coffee and cake event at the Royal Oak pub, where they raised £300.
Local businesses in Frome have sponsored the event and include Asda, Pronto Bikes, K&S Commercial Components, Premier Installations and Scania.
For more information about the charity visit, www.lisasarmy.co.uk and to donate to the cycle ride visit, https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/charity-cycle-ride
Pictured from left to right: Tim, Neil, Tom, Lee, Kam, Steve, Darren and Ben.
