A DEDICATED staff nurse has gone the extra mile and raised over £4,000 to support Coventry’s University Hospital.
Carl Hawkins has worked on the intensive care unit at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) for 22 years.
He helps treat some of the sickest patients across the region and wanted to boost the work his team do by raising funds with a daring charity cycle.
Carl decided to undertake the notoriously challenging bike ride from Land’s End in Penzance, Cornwall, to John O’Groats in Scotland.
The ride is 950 miles long and Carl completed the adventure in 12 days, covering an average of 85 miles a day.
He said his bike served him well throughout and despite challenging weather conditions he did not have any mechanical issues.
Carl is 48 years old and he says himself he was of average fitness before he begun training for his almighty task.
He committed to training for two years in preparation for the ride.
He ran the Birmingham marathon last year, participated in many cycle events and took on several assault course wolf runs.
Carl, who raised about £4,200 in total, said: “The best part of the trip was the views. Scotland was amazing especially Glenn Coe Pass.
“The worst day was the last day. We experienced 65-mile winds and it was very dangerous.
“Some of the group got blown off their bikes. This was the most difficult adventure I have undertaken, every day was very hard.
“But travelling by bike you get to experience the environment and nature.
“I enjoyed every minute, so now planning for the next adventure begins.”
Jo O’Sullivan, head of UHCW Charity – the hospitals charity branch – added: “Carl has been out in all weathers training for this incredible bike ride which covered the full length of the UK.
“His outstanding efforts will make a huge difference to our most critically ill patients and we are all very proud of his achievement.”
To donate to UHCW Charity, call Jo on 02476 966059.
