# Bike Unite for Children to benefit Alder Hey Imagine Appeal

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/04/16/bike-unite-children-benefit-alder-hey-imagine-appeal/
- Published: 2009-04-16T06:34:05+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

Actor and presenter Simon O’Brien who shot to fame in Liverpool’s legendary TV soap
Brookside is backing Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in the first ever Bike Unite 
for Children on 28th June 2009 and he wants the North-West to “Get on your bike”
for children! Simon is currently presenting ‘To Buy Or Not To Buy’ on BBC 1 and 
Saturday Breakfast on CityTalk Radio right here in the Northwest.

Bike Unite for Children is organised by Alder Hey Imagine Appeal who has joined 
forces with Manchester Children’s Hospital for the inaugural event which takes place
on 28th June 2009. Cyclists will set off in Manchester and travel 37 miles along
the Trans-Pennine Way to Calderstones Park in Liverpool.

Simon O’Brien who is well known for his love of cycling explained, “I decided to
use a bike to get around because of my concerns about the future of the Planet and
it seems perfectly natural to me for Alder Hey and Manchester Children’s Hospital
holding a bike ride to raise money because these fantastic hospitals help the next
generation have the best possible future and what healthier way to help improve 
children’s health than a great day out in the saddle. I also think it is fortunate
we are starting in Manchester and heading to Liverpool as this will allow us Scousers
to, once more, show our illustrious Mancunian neighbours the way.”

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Laura Gartshore, Specialist Registrar at Alder Hey has already signed up for her
place as part of her year long mission to raise money for Alder Hey Imagine Appeal.
Only Laura didn’t stop with Bike Unite for Children she’s signed herself up for 
an additional ten marathons!

Laura who is excited about taking part for Alder Hey Imagine Appeal said: “Alder
Hey is an incredible place to work. The staff strive so hard each day on behalf 
of our little visitors. After signing up for my 10 charity runs this year I was 
looking for a final event to enter which involved something other than running! 
Bike Unite is perfect and I’m really looking forward to the challenge and crossing
the finish line in Liverpool – I just hope I can cycle 37 miles without getting 
a puncture!”

You can give Laura your support at

www.justgiving.com/lauraruns2009

Bike Unite for Children will bond hundreds of supporters cycling for thousands of
children in the North-West. The entry fee is £35 per person which includes transport
to Manchester for the participant and their bicycle. Places are strictly limited
with only 500 available and capacity is expected to fill up fast. The race is now
on between the two hospitals to fill up their places and Alder Hey are hoping to
reach their quota before their Manchester counterparts and need the support of local
bike riders if they are to do this.

If you don’t manage to get your place this year both hospitals are hoping to turn
it into an annual event. To register now go to www.imagineappeal.com or contact 
Rachel on 0151 252 5726 ra************@**********hs.uk

Alder Hey Imagine Appeal was launched in 2005 by Yoko Ono and currently raises funds
to support the pioneering work of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital – Europe’s busiest.
Around 250,000 young patients annually receive treatment at the hospital for everything
from broken bones to more complex conditions such as cancer and congenital heart
disease. The Appeal aims to raise around £3 million every year to improve the quality
of life for children in hospital by enhancing their environment to providing facilities
for patients and their families. In addition, Imagine funds the most advanced medical
equipment and research into those conditions our children suffer from today, in 
the hope that they won’t in the future.

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