Almost two years on from the death of his brother, Hugo Yaxley, and just a year on from his aunt’s passing, Helen McCrory OBE, Thomas Yaxley is embarking on a 2,100km cycle from The National Theatre in London to the Plaza Mayor in Madrid.
In November 2020, Hugo was involved in a high-speed road traffic collision. Due to the severity of the incident, crews from both Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were called to attend the scene. While Minna suffered critical internal and external injuries, Hugo tragically died in hospital as a result of his injuries.
Just five months later, Thomas and Hugo’s aunt, Helen McCrory OBE, sadly lost her battle with breast cancer.
Helen McCrory OBE
In a bid to honour their memory and fantastic charity work, Thomas hopes that his final challenge will take their incredible contribution to over £120,000 for the four charities close to Hugo and Helen’s hearts, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, children’s mental health charity Place2Be and HVH Arts.
Thomas Yaxley said:
“This brings 18 months of fundraising in Hugo and Helen’s memory to a conclusion. Which has seen some incredible efforts, especially from Minna Leatham, who came back from her life-threatening injuries in less than eight months to walk five miles; and Helena Russell, in running from Bristol to London.
“It is very special to be able to leave from The National Theatre, a place where Helen loved to perform and gave some of her best performances, to go to Madrid, where Hugo was going to go to university.
“Thank you to everyone who has donated and supported Ride4Hugo along the way; their time, money and effort has left a legacy for Hugo and Helen that has genuinely changed and saved lives.”
Thomas, his friends and family have currently raised over £110,000 through ‘Ride4Hugo’ and other fundraising initiatives in aid of four chosen charities in his brother and aunt’s memory.
To donate, visit the website.
