Tom rides 30 miles and raises £2,500 for Addenbrooke’s
Tom O'Connor - Credit: Archant
A nine-year-old boy with cerebral palsy has pedaled 30 miles to raise more than £2,500 for a baby unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Tom O’Connor cycled from Paradise Cafe, in High Street, Dunmow, to the Cambridge hospital on September 13 in aid of its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He was joined by dad James for the ride.
Tom said: “I had an amazing time on my bike. I began with my favourite breakfast at my favourite cafe - Paradise - and was joined by friends and family.
“I was so glad they could join me. As I set off I felt very nervous and excited at the same time, and couldn’t believe the actual day to do the ride had come, but I soon settled down.
“The gods of good fortune delivered a tail wind and a few good down-hills. With a couple of rests at Thaxted and Audley End, where Nana met me with snacks, I kept a good pace towards Duxford. It was here that I needed to stop a little more often because of saddle-sore, but my legs felt surprisingly good.
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“Progress had been almost too good, and we stopped again at Great Shelford where a friend joined me for the final 2 miles. The final sprint along the cycle path was extremely fun, and flat.
“I felt amazed and very emotional when I saw friends and family waiting at Addenbrooke’s, and it was a massive relief to cross the finish line. I had actually done it.”
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He added: “A doctor from the intensive care unit met me and showed us round, it all looked very technical and impressive and, he said, the equipment was very expensive.”
INFORMATION: For more, or to donate, visit www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/supporter/TomOConnorscharitybikeride.
