I’d like you to meet Phelan. I mean I really wish you could. When I was asked for advice about a small charity ride around the Isle of Wight, to raise money for a little chap who had been suffering with cancer. I really didn’t know how much the experience would affect me, but I’m so glad I offered to help.
It wasn’t till the day of the ride that I met Phelan. He was a lovely little lad with a cheeky grin and a huge heart. I’d already met his Dad who had learned to ride to join the challenge that these work colleagues had set themselves - riding round the Isle of Wight, raising money for some extra treatment. On that day, I met him his lovely family and a group of very determined cyclists.
I had offered to ride with the back group - inexperienced riders who needed to really pace themselves if we were going to make it all the way. One of those was Phelans dad - George - a most determined chap, who despite all his family was going through was determined to learn to ride his bike and then ride as much of the island as he could. We had been out for a couple of test rides before hand, but nothing quite prepared us for what was waiting for us across the water
It was an early start but there was a definite buzz in the air as we waited to board.
The journey from Southampton to Cowes takes about an hour and during that time, we received numerous questions, encouraging comments and donations - there and then, no questions asked just a set of very generous people, all with their own reasons for heading to the Island, taking time out of their day and money out of their pocket to help a little lad with sparkling eyes to live a little longer.
Fighting with emotion and excitement, we returned to our bikes ready to gather for the group photograph.
We knew we were the slow group. It isn’t bother us. We were given a head start and it really didn’t take us too long to get to our first stop - Ryde. We were also overtaken by all the other groups by the time we got there. We didn’t mind though - our challenge was not to be the fastest, but just to have the determination and resilience to get round.
I was purposefully keeping the pace slow and the spirits high to help us reach our goal.
As the hours and the miles passed, we got progressively more tired. We had a huge boost at the lunch meet point in Ventnor. Where many of the others had waited to cheer us in before continuing on their slightly faster journey. We were especially happy Knowing we had conquered one of the major hills already.
We were making good time and I was pleased that we had only lost a couple of the riders to the support vehicle.
We finished lunch and headed back out. But by the time we reached Military road (undulating is not a strong enough term for the hills here) our party had reduced down to three.
Two of Steve’s work colleagues and me. We were flagging in the heat and the girls exhausted riding their mountain bikes. Their fat tyres were no advantage on this trip.
There was surprisingly little traffic on the roads that day. But I spotted ahead a very slow moving vehicle with its hazards going. I wondered what was going on. We soon caught up this party which consisted of the van, and three men, two walking with buckets. The third, an ex marine named Swasie was pushing himself with his one leg in his standard issue wheelchair from Firestation to firestation raising huge amounts of money as he went.
We exchanged details, stories, hugs and tears. Then with our spirits and enthusiasm renewed continued on our own fund raising mission.
We made it to the Needles. Paused for some refreshment and then enveloped within the rest of the peloton we rode back to Cowes.
With a huge cheer on the chain ferry we realised that our journey was now complete. We had looped the IOW.
I was so so touched when Phelan presented me with my medal for completing the ride around the island - all of which was to help him with medicine to keep him alive
Sadly, Phelan passed away within the year of completing that challenge, so the following year we rode again. This time to raise money for the place that had cared for him and his family in that sad sad time. And so the Blue Ninja Challenge was born. Blue was Phelans favourite colour. And Ninja the name he was called at home.
We have been to Naomi house a couple of times now and every time I am amazed by the buzz of the place. Everyone who works there is just so positive and their aim is always to make the most of every day for the children because every day is precious.
I’ve now done a number of challenging rides, but not one even begins to match the challenge that many of the people spending time at Naomi house face every day.
They don’t ask for a lot, but money doesn’t go far at all. £20 will help pay for a nurse of an hour, £10 would buy craft stuff for a child to work with.
We have ridden every year since then. We will be riding for them again soon so please do consider helping this great cause. Any amount would be gratefully received.
If you wish to find out more about this amazing place please take a wander through their website and take a look at a video or two. https://www.naomihouse.org.uk/about-us
