‘Missed a Beat’ is a new charity which was founded in memory of Darren Scott, and supplies new defibrillators to many areas so more people have access to these lifesaving pieces of kit.
Heidi and Joel Turner, aged 13 and 11 respectively, cycled the Coast to Coast, 140 miles from Whitehaven to Sunderland. They have trained hard for this tough challenge, which includes navigating numerous steep hills and altitudes of over 1900ft high. They have been cycling alongside family members Jeanette Turner, Ken Cummings and Anne Cummings.
Heidi and Joel would like to help support this local charity ‘Missed a Beat’. They know Mark Preston, a family friend, and are inspired by the great work the charity has achieved in memory of Darren Scott and many more loved ones that have passed away due to cardiac arrest.
Heidi and Joel started their journey on Friday 16th June and finished on Sunday 18th June.
Heidi and Joel would like to thank everyone for their support after receiving over 100 individual donations in support for the ‘Missed a Beat’ C2C cycle of 130 miles, Whitehaven to Sunderland. Heidi, 13, and Joel, 11 never faltered at any point – as the support they received, and numbers of donations, seemed to put extra energy into their legs. At one-point Heidi had quite a serious crash. This, we thought, had jeopardised her event but, after 10 minutes, Heidi got cleaned up and back on at the same spot she fell at. The route was approx. 45 mile per day for 3 consecutive days. They were accompanied enroute by Ken Cummings, Anne Cummings and Jeanette Turner.
Andrew Turner supported the team throughout the weekend by driving the van which, Andy would like to point out, did not have any air-conditioning.
They exceeded all expectations, bike fitness and focus wise, as did the total numbers of contributions made towards this great new Charity.
With the donations made it will enable another defibrillator to be installed in another strategic area – managed by Mark Preston and the ‘Missed a Beat’ charity.
These pieces of kit can be deployed immediately after someone suffers a heart condition. Aycliffe have lost some great people over the last few years and, with more devices been made readily available, this can only help prevent further tragedies.
Well done again for the massive support you’ve all given to ‘Missed a Beat’ and Heidi and Joel folks. The total raised so far is £1180.