A social care worker has picked up this week’s Charity Champion crown, after cycling by himself from his home in Worcester to Barcelona raising an incredible £4,825 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.  

 Inspired by Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s ‘amazing impact’ on close friends whose children had or were receiving care from the hospital, John Brierley decided to take on this arduous cycling challenge in memory of his late father, Joseph Brierley, who passed away in December 2014 after losing his battle with cancer, whilst fundraising for the hospital along the way.  

Joined by his son, Sam Tabram, who drove the support vehicle armed with equipment and supplies, John cycled the gruelling 1,500 km to Barcelona, averaging 120 km per day over 14 days. John found the task both physically and emotionally challenging and was delighted to be greeted by his family as he cycled over the finishing line!

John said, “We have family and friends children who are being treated by Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The care that they have received has been outstanding and for that we are truly grateful.

The hospital is an important facility for so many children and families, but what makes it an outstanding place is the kind, caring and hardworking staff who look after the children day in and day out.

The level of support and generosity we have received has been incredible and goes to show how highly regarded the work at Birmingham Children’s Hospital is. It touches the lives of so many, when we need it most and is a facility we should all be proud of.”    

Annie Eytle, Acting Events and Regional Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “It’s so inspirational to hear how the world-class care our hospital delivers motivates people to fundraise and we’d like to say a huge thank you to John for cycling to Barcelona in memory of his father and raising money for our hospital.

The funds donated will make a massive difference to the lives of our brave children and their families on Ocean Ward, which provides care to children with complex needs.”

For more information on Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, please visit www.bch.org.uk, email [email protected] or call 0121 333 8506.