Eight-year-old raises £650 with bike tour of Gosport to thank University Hospital Southampton staff for his medical care
TWO hours of cycling raised hundreds for medical staff - and showed how far a Lee-on-the-Solent boy has come since his epilepsy diagnosis.
A fundraising challenge took Shay Glenton, eight, on a 16-mile tour of Gosport in support of University Hospital Southampton, with more than £650 collected for the hospital close to his heart.
Shay has received care from specialist staff at the facility since he was 18 months old for his seizures and postoperative care following brain surgery two years ago.
The Crofton Hammond Junior School pupil took on his longest cycle ride on Friday, along the seafront to Gosport lifeboat station and round past the ferry so he could have a look at Spinnaker Tower.
Proud mum Gemma, who joined him on the challenge, said: ‘As we were cycling, Shay was in very high spirits and he kept speeding off in front and complaining when I didn't keep up. He was definitely on a mission and very determined!
‘As we were riding he did say a few times his legs were hurting and getting tired especially as there were a few hills we encountered.’
The impressive challenge led to Shay cycling for two hours and 13 minutes, wearing a T-shirt created by kind neighbour Steph Griggs, which he has worn every day since taking on his cycle.
‘Ben, his dad, greeted us with a cuddle and a high five and congratulated him,’ said Gemma.
‘Shay receives regular therapy from the University Southampton Hospital and said he can't wait to tell Emma his therapist what he's done. One of his teachers from school called on Thursday and he told her all about what he was planning to do too.
‘He has been keeping track of his fundraising page on his iPad and has shouted out the total with excitement every time a new donation has been made.’
She added: ‘He is so proud of his achievement and as parents we couldn't be prouder either. He continues to amaze us.
‘It just shows how far he has come from when he was 18 months having constant fits - we never thought riding a bike would be possible.’
Donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/shay-glenton3 or learn more about Shay’s journey at facebook.com/pg/Shaysbattle.