Volunteer stories
Angie Cook's London to Brighton bike ride
When the mobility in Angie’s leg began to deteriorate and the prospect of a major operation with potential confinement to a wheelchair beckoned, a resolve emerged in her to create a different outlook. Opting for a new and risky operation, Angie put her future in the hands of the staff at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery; the same people who have supported her husband since his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.
Following plenty of rest, physiotherapy and yoga, Angie thankfully found herself able to walk freely again. And though it had been around 65 years since she’d enjoyed riding her bicycle as a little girl, the need for a non-weight bearing exercise and a yearning for the outdoors meant Angie’s husband bought her a bike and her childhood hobby was reborn.
Such was the adoration for cycling and keen for a challenge, Angie signed herself up for the London to Brighton Bike Ride, a 55-mile route beginning in London’s Clapham Common and ending at the Sussex seaside town. With friend and fellow cyclist Helen by her side, the pair raised money for the hospital who cared for Angie, alongside North London Hospice, where Angie is a front of house volunteer.
“While I hadn’t expected to be nervous beforehand, I was actually terrified,” Angie admitted.
“But I was wearing my hospice t-shirt, and someone interviewed me asking why I was supporting this cause, which helped me to find my confidence. I feel so strongly that North London Hospice is a fantastic place with care that’s second to none and it was an honour to do something to help.”
Having raised more than £1,100 for the hospice, Angie booked herself a week off from her volunteering duties to recover.
“I thought I’d be exhausted after and wouldn’t be able to stand and greet the families on my usual Monday shift, but I was so exhilarated and on cloud nine that I could’ve probably bounced around the building that day,” Angie reflected.
“Each week at the hospice I get to spend time with people, listening to them, giving them a cup of tea and just being a friendly face. Then when I was ill it forced me to confront my own mortality, which further cemented my belief in the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.
“I have seen grief in close quarters and to be able to be a part of the whole journey for patients and their families is a privilege. Fundraising for North London Hospice was just another way to lend my support to this vital work.”
Thank you so much Angie for all that you do.
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