SIX CHICKS WITH STICKS
On the 4th April 2019, Sarah Shanks, our Assistant Head (Pastoral and Boarding), and five of her hockey playing friends set off from St David’s Point in Pembrokeshire to cycle across the widest part of the UK. Spurred on by the inspirational story of ‘Yorkshire Rows – 4 Mums in Boat’ who rowed their way across the Atlantic, these six intrepid friends chose a 420-mile cycling challenge of their own. Known as the Six Chicks with Sticks; Nic, Sarah, Kirsty, Sally, Gus and Ali were driven to raise money for RUH Forever Friends Appeal and its new Cancer Unit in Bath. With one of the team, Sally, currently undergoing treatment for cancer at the RUH the trip and its fundraising focus held a special meaning for all the participants.
Seven days of hard cycling saw them pass through Fishguard, Llandovery, Hereford, Stratford, Wellingborough, Prick Willow and Diss. With just one puncture between them, in spite of battling substantial hills, bumpy fields, not to mention the wet and windy Welsh weather, the valiant Chicks arrived at Ness Point on the 11th April.
There was a huge feeling of accomplishment, pride and success in completing the 421-mile ride not least that their original fundraising target of £6,000 has more than doubled to a current grand total of £13,098. Enjoying huge support on social media, radio clips on Zoe Ball’s and Sara Cox’s BBC Radio 2 shows as well as numerous updates on local radio stations, contributions towards the Chick’s laudable cause continue to flood in.
The Chicks have been blown away by the support and encouragement from everyone and have loved (nearly) every minute of the challenge! They are also indebted to the backing and unfailing encouragement of their support team and in particular, the sight of Sally’s husband, Rob and his support van and Melissa, Nic’s daughter, in her Mini, which will stay with the Chicks forever. There is no doubt that cycling expeditions will continue to play a part in the future for the Chicks, but possibly with more pub and café stops along the way!