'We will never forget it': Group cycles 170 miles from Ludlow to Emirates Stadium in honour of teen
The charity cycle took five days to complete.
A group from Shropshire cycled from Ludlow to the Emirates Stadium in London to raise thousands for charity in honour of a teenager who died suddenly last year.
Eighteen people cycled 170 miles from the south Shropshire market town to the capital city in memory of Alex Elder.
Alex, a huge Arsenal fan from Ludlow, died suddenly in his sleep at the age of 18 in September last year.
The group who undertook the cycling challenge - which included Alex’s sister Abi - were raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
The challenge has already raised more than £28,690 for the charities.
The group set off from Ludlow on August 4 and arrived in London on August 8.
Cycle organiser Charlotte Chubb, a friend of Alex’s family, said the group had been greatly supported by the local community in Ludlow ahead of the challenge.
Talking to the Shropshire Star about the challenge itself, Charlotte said: “Everything went perfectly. There were lots of laughs throughout.
“You know when you do something and you have bonded with people, it was just like that, and we will never forget it.
“It was a really special week.”
Charlotte said the challenge was one she would rather have not had to do considering the tragic circumstances, but she was nevertheless thrilled with the money the group has raised.
The south Shropshire woman said: “It was never really about the money, but then I think people wanted to show support for Alex’s family, so they were like ‘can we sponsor you?’
“So I set up the Give Wheel page and I thought we would set a target for £5,000, but then it kept going and going.
“I honestly cannot believe how much we have raised.”
Summing up the challenge, Charlotte added: “The challenge became about much more than the money.
“Over the five days we laughed, cried, struggled up some very big hills, encouraged each other through the difficult miles and created memories that none of us will ever forget.”
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