READING, UK--Leukemia survivor Buzz Coates, an employee of security products distributor Norbain, raised more than GBP 10,000 for CLIC Sargent, a charity dedicated to caring for children with cancer, by cycling 500 miles in five days.
Coates, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2002 and spent six months in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy, wanted to find a way to celebrate his fifth year of remission. Deeply impressed with Lance Armstrong's book, which he read while undergoing treatment himself, Coates decided to put his own cycling skills to use to help others still suffering from the disease. "[The book] really inspired me, and I decided to combine my love of cycling with raising money for such a worthy cause," Coates said in a statement.
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After rallying support from family friends, colleagues and suppliers, Coates set off on a 500-mile marathon that took him past Norbain offices in Warrington, Blackpool, Preston, Heywood and Ashton, until he finished up on day five in Winnersh, near Reading. "Norbain had been very good to me and my family through an extremely difficult time, so linking in all the offices of an important part of the journey for me," he said.
In addition to support from Norbain, Coates thanked a number of suppliers who he said had also been very generous, including Bosch, Dedicated Micros, Samsung Electronics, Xtralis, BPT, Paxton, PAC, Sony, Raytec and Dallmeier, among others.
Coates raised a total of GBP 10,800 for CLIC Sargent, which will use the money for things such as grants, holidays, special youth services and help lines that all aid children and their families during and after treatment for Leukemia.
The event was so successful that Coates may continue. "It was a wonderful feeling to raise the money," he said. "I've got a few ideas for further fundraising events, but I'm keeping them under my hat for the moment."
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