The mother of a young Melbourn man who died in a hit and run incident has spoken of her gratitude to his friends for raising thousands of pounds through a marathon charity ride.
Wendy Jeffery’s son Alex died at the age of 21 from head injuries a week after he was struck by a car and this weekend his friends and brother Ollie cycled all the way from Bournemouth to his home in memory of the young electrician.
The team, made up of pals Ryan Deards, Ben Cullen, Ian Jeffery, Ollie Jeffery, Josh Sewell and Jamie Gordon, cycled 160 miles from the seaside town as that’s where his girlfriend lived.
His family say they are touched by the donations which have poured in.
Wendy said: “There are no words to express how grateful and humbled we are.
“We would like to thank people for the support we have received. It just goes to show how much Alex was loved.
“We are so proud of the boys, especially Ollie, who must have found it difficult at times.
“Now we have to learn to live without Alex, but we know that we have a lot of love and support and that he will always be in people’s minds and hearts.”
About £10,000 was raised for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, to support the hospital that cared for Alex in his final days.
The team of riders were supported by three of the friends’ dads, Dave Cullen, Phil Deards and Darren Sewell.
The riders also had help from Rod Yallop, a retired teacher from Melbourn Village College – where Alex attended – and experienced cyclist who planned the route and took part.
After the ride, a charity evening was held at The Black Horse pub in Orchard Road.
A total of £1,035 was raised from a raffle and auction and landlord Steve Harrington said he had never before seen such generosity and support from the local community.
It was close friend Josh Sewell who came up with the idea for the cycling fundraiser. He said: “The ride was brilliant, tough physically but really enjoyable.
“We received so many kind messages on our way and the donations kept coming. Special thanks to our support team who followed us in a van and car – without them we wouldn’t have been able to complete the ride.
“They helped with bike repairs and navigation as well as carrying our food and drink.
“Also thanks to Rod who helped us get through it.
“I know I speak for all the boys involved when I say we really are overwhelmed with the support and the money raised.”
To donate to the challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/alexjeffery.
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