Cycling event to raise funds in memory of Hugo Yaxley and Helen McCrory OBE
Following the tragic passing of his much-loved brother and aunt, Thomas Yaxley, 32, has organised a charity cycling event on Sunday 5th June 2022, to raise funds in their memory.
In November 2020, Thomas’s brother, Hugo Yaxley, was involved in a serious road traffic accident in which he tragically lost his life. Just five months after, his aunt, Helen McCrory OBE, also tragically passed away after losing her battle with breast cancer.
Hugo was cared for by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance at the scene of the incident, before airlifting him to University Hospital Southampton to receive further treatment. While Minna was cared for by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, who also airlifted her to University Hospital Southampton. Tragically, Hugo died in hospital later that night as a result of his injuries, which were catastrophic.
In July 2020, just eight months after the horrific incident, Minna embarked on a 5-mile walk to raise money for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Minna’s remarkable fundraising challenge went on to raise over £28,000 for the two charities.
In a bid to honour their memory and fantastic charity work, Thomas hopes that his event, ‘The Ride4Hugo Sportive’, will raise a total of £24,000 for four charities close to Hugo and Helen’s hearts, including Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, children’s mental health charity Place2Be and HVH Arts.
Ride4Hugo is not designed to be a race and involves cycling through the beautiful Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire countryside. The event has three distances to choose from, including ‘The Baby Fondo’ (30km), ‘Fondo’ (60km) and ‘Gran Fondo’ (100km). All three routes will start and finish at Henstridge Airfield, on the Dorset/Somerset border.
Those participating in the Gran Fondo will set off at 8.30am, followed by a staggered start for the Fondo and Baby Fondo distances. Several pit-stops will be available along the route, to provide a well-earned rest and refreshments for those that want it.
The event will be a celebratory occasion for all involved, especially as this is taking place during the Queen’s Jubilee weekend.
Speaking about the cycling event, Thomas Yaxley said:
“All these charities hold an incredibly special place in our family’s heart for their links with Hugo and Helen. The work they do makes lives better every single day, but this is only possible due to the generosity of the public. We have already raised over £97,000 in their memory, hopefully this event will add to that total and mean these amazing charities can bring their life changing work to even more people.
This could not be a more fitting event to honour Hugo’s memory, it is doing a sport he loved in a part of the world that was very special to him. Although Aunty Helen was not known for her cycling, she would have been on the side-line cheering everyone on and certainly been at the finish line to celebrate everyone’s amazing achievements. We hope the day will be one of celebration with a chance for people to come together, challenge themselves and raise money for a great cause.”
He added: “It is due to the paramedics and doctors of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance that Hugo’s girlfriend, Minna, is with us today. So, to be able to help raise funds so they can be there for another family is a real honour.”
Director of Marketing and Fundraising, Keith Wilson, said:
“Our doctors, specialist paramedics and pilots are there for the most seriously ill and injured people in our region. And for many of those patients and their loved ones, they are having the worst day of their lives. Without our dedicated supporters, none of what we do would be possible. And that is why we are extremely grateful to everyone who is taking part in the Ride4Hugo challenge. It is going to be a wonderful occasion to celebrate the lives of two remarkable people.”
For more information and to register, visit the Ride4Hugo website: www.ride4hugo.com
Entrance fees: Baby Fondo: £26, Fondo: £36 Gran Fondo: £41.
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