Pedal Power for children's hospital

30 September 2008

Doug raises £30,000 funds for GOSH by cycling to Paris

Pedal Power for children’s hospital

Green Energy UK chief cycles to Paris and raises £30,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital

Green Energy UK chief executive Doug Stewart successfully cycled 300 miles from London to Paris this month, raising over £30,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Doug was hoping to raise £10,000 for the Parrot Ward where earlier this year his son, Cameron, eleven, was successfully treated for a brain tumour. He is delighted to have raised over three times as much and thanks everyone for their generous support. The 52-year-old, who is used to dealing with hydro, wind and solar power, had to rely on his own pedal power during the four-day journey, and, as he explains, it was tough: “There is a monster hill on the way to Dover, and the headwinds on day two seemed insignificant by the time we had ridden through seven hours of rain on day three. So when the sun came out on Saturday morning it was more than just a welcome sight, but not as welcome as the finishing line beneath the Eiffel Tower.”

However, it was worth it, as Doug tells us: “It is not just how staff at the hospital look after all the children in their care that impresses, it is also the way they look after parents and family, making a very difficult time easier. The hospital does terrific work, but it needs £50 million in donations each year to keep it at the forefront of international paediatric medicine. I wanted to do this bike ride to raise as much money and awareness as I could, but I never expected to raise £30,000. I’ve been very humbled by the generosity of everyone who has supported me. I want to thank them all very much.” Joining Doug on their bikes were four Green Energy UK customers fundraising for their own charities. Doug is still waiting for his muscles to stop aching and the saddle soreness to lessen and says, "I'm not sure I could ask my friends to donate again, but If we could facilitate raising money for charity by helping our customers take part then I'd be happy to go through the pain again.” - ends -

Notes to editors Interviews and photography are available from Keegan Wilson or Claire Adam at Substance PR - Tel: 023 8023 8237

More information about Green Energy UK is available at www.greenenergyuk.com