Award winning Alice!

A huge congratulations to Hope ambassador and all-round inspiration Alice Greaves who won the Fundraiser of the Year award at the Furnley House Community Champions Awards

Here is a brief summary of the story of the 'If Alice Can, Anyone Can' event (told to us by a very tired Alice in the days that followed)

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On a rain-filled Saturday during the August bank holiday weekend, 50+ riders took part in a 125-mile cycle from Leicestershire to Norfolk, raising nearly £100,000 for local cancer research.

The ride was organised by Alice Greaves from Old Dalby. Her strength and determination, and a host of supporters from businesses and the community, resulted in both her successful arrival in Sheringham and an extraordinary amount of donations for Hope Against Cancer.

The original aim was to raise £50,000 but this target was smashed before the ride even began!

Alice was first diagnosed with breast cancer at just 24. The day before her 26^th birthday she was then diagnosed with secondary breast cancer which has spread to her lungs. She has dedicated herself to raising awareness for vital local cancer research and living life to the full – which included regular long distance practise rides to ensure she could reach the finish line with her smile still in place.

Alice told us, “It was an early start. I woke at 4.30am to some terrible weather but that wasn't going to stop me or the other 54 riders from completing the ride. Spirits were high when the groups of riders began to set off. I was in the second group, leaving shortly after 5:30am, with four groups departing after me.

“Lunch at 9:00am was slightly odd! Nevertheless, the burgers and chips helped get us back out into the torrential rain.

“Wet, windy and wild. Three words that summed up the ride!

“After some tough hills on the way into Sheringham, I could finally see the sea and the crowds that waited for me.

“I was greeted by 100+ people at the finish line, we were soaking wet, but all had smiles on their faces. It was quite the day!”

Nigel Rose, CEO of Hope Against Cancer said, “Alice, her groups of riders, family, supporters, sponsors and support crew were phenomenal. We know how hard they’ve been working. The amount raised was unbelievable and beyond all expectations. Every pedal turned on that day raised vital funds for cancer research for the benefit of the people and communities in which we live.”