Paul, Chris & Robin pictured at the start of their journey in Whitehaven

 

As told by Robin Bryant, Oliver's Grandad:

 

My daughter Faye and her Fiancé Jamie stayed at Edward House, Birmingham between August 14th and Sept 30^th 2005. All the staff at Edward House were most understanding and helpful after the birth of my grandson Oliver. Oliver was born in Sunderland on August 14^th 2005 with a serious heart defect (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) and was airlifted on the same day to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where he received major heart surgery.

 

Unfortunately Oliver spent 6 weeks in intensive care and sadly passed away after a very short life. The staff at Edward House were always there for Faye & Jamie to offer them support and help. If it hadn’t been for Edward House I’m sure that Faye & Jamie’s ordeal would have been much harder to bear. The dedication and care displayed from their staff in Birmingham inspired me to raise money for their charity “Edward's Trust”.

 

Ten years ago I took part in a sponsored bike ride, the C2C to raise money for the “Sick Children’s Trust” which is a similar charitable organisation. Once again I pulled my old bike out of the shed and started training for the C2C in Oct 2006. My brother, Paul soon volunteered to join in and help. My son in law Chris also volunteered and was allowed leave of absence from the Army, 2^nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment to join my brother and myself. Chris’s brother, Nicky offered to help by driving us over to Whitehaven and carrying our overnight gear to our digs in Penrith & Allenheads. He also turned out to be a dab hand at photography and took some excellent photos en route.

 

We were motivated by the need to put something positive back into Oliver’s short and memorable life. All three of us completed the C2C (Whitehaven to Sunderland) over the weekend 22^nd to 24^th July 2006 and found it a most gruelling but enjoyable experience. The icing on the cake was the generous support that we received from all our families and friends. In doing so we raised £1032 for Edward's Trust.

 

We hope this contribution will help support your efforts to keep the good work up.Once again thank you for your help and support displayed during Oliver’s short life.Faye & Jamie have requested that I give a special thanks to all the staff at Edward House, in particular Helen, Jackie, Annie, Martin & Reg for their kind support and the afternoon freshly baked cakes they provided (yum yum).

 

Robin Bryant (Granda Bob)

 

Our CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS to all of you for your help and kindness.