Ventnor Blog

A CHARITY effort by Island firefighters to raise at least £25,000 for hospital equipment by cycling between Newport and Rome is gathering pace.

The Square to Square Appeal that will see firefighters cycle between St Thomas’ Square, Newport, and Vatican Square, Rome, is raising money for the Wessex Cancer Trust to buy cancer diagnosing equipment for St Mary’s Hospital.

And though the cyclists are will not set out on their epic ride until August — they have already raised a massive £15,000.

“We have been overwhelmed by the amount of public support and enthusiasm for this event,” said Andrew Cooper, co-organiser,

“Not only people keen to support an event that will provide equipment to be used locally in the fight against cancer, they are also interested in the unusual nature or the ride.”

Although primarily aimed at raising money, the team are also keen to raise issues such as the benefits of keeping fit. As part of that, they will from February visit all Island schools, as part of the national Go-Ride cycling development programme. During the visits, they will explain to pupils how they can get involved and complete their own mini Square to Square.

Andrew said: “Square to Square will allow pupils of all ages to use various areas of their studies to look at various aspects of the Square to Square Charity Cycle Challenge. This will include languages, geography, health and fitness/sports science. They will also be able to do their own cycling through the Go-Ride scheme from British Cycling, along with the Carisbrooke Schools’ Sports Partnership, who have been very supportive” said Andrew.

The next Square to Square fundraising event will be held on February 9 at Newport Fire Station between 10am and 3pm, when a car wash to raise cash for the challenge.

Charity, From the Council