Bradders’ pedal power racks up miles for MDNA as cardies hit charity challenges
It’s no silly season this summer for those in the greeting card community busy with various charity challenges.
Running isn’t Ian Bradley’s forte so the indie sales agent has adapted the MDNA’s August challenge so he’s determined to cycle and hike 260 miles to raise money for the cause close to greeting card folks’ hearts.
Bradders, who also helps wife Lorraine run publisher Rush Design, was one of 50 cardies who raised an incredible £50,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association with the 2023 Cardgains 25-mile charity challenge in memory of industry legend David Hicks, founder of Really Good and Soul, whose life was cut short by the condition.
“I saw the post about the MDNA’s August challenge to run 60 miles in the month,” Ian told PG Buzz, “I liked the T-shirt and thought ‘why not’ – but I’m no runner so I’m challenging myself to do something that I believe is even tougher for me. I’m going to do 10 hours on the Peloton, which is 200 miles, and 60 miles hiking to help raise funds to beat motor neurone disease.”
He’s already racked up over 40 miles on the static bike, and will be going out with Lorraine and pals at the weekends to get in the steps for the walking part, with the aim of raising £150 for the association which helps fund research into the condition as well as support and information for those living with MND. Any donations gratefully accepted here.
Indie retailer Alison Russell has also been busy on the charity front, recently completing the eight-mile Cross Bay Walk over Morecombe Bay – which doesn’t sound far but it’s a challenging trek across the ever-changing tidal sands and channels between Arnside and Grange-Over-Sands, led by guides who have been appointed by royalty since 1548.
Having taken on various challenges in Britain and abroad, the owner of Conway Cards in Garstang said: “The walking shoes and poles were back out as I completed my first challenge for a while! It was a fabulous day and I’ve hit my £500 target for Rosemere Cancer Foundation in memory of my wonderful mum.
“I had her voice in my ear all day saying ‘you must be mad!’ but I hope she’d be proud of us!”
Alison’s mum Angela was a volunteer for 14 years at the foundation’s coffee shop within Rosemere Cancer Centre at Royal Preston Hospital before she died just six weeks after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a very aggressive cancer.
Alison’s JustGiving page is open here for any further donations until Sunday.
And at Cardies in Stevenage, owner Jo Sorrell held one of her regular fundraising events for Labrador Rescue South East & Central, the organisation where she’s found many of her famous Ponks, the canine meeters and greeters for her store.
The event on Saturday, 3 August, raised £150 with a teddy bear tombola, dog friendly zone and dog tombola, and the fun and winners can be seen in the reel below.
