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Cyclist George 1 of 1
The longest day lived up to its billing for grandfather-of-three George Evans who spent 15 hours of it riding nearly 250 miles to raise funds for Thrive.

The 67-year-old started off his endurance feat at daybreak on the summer solstice aiming to cycle as far as he could.

By the time he finished, saddle-sore and weary, he had clocked up 244 miles – nearly the distance from London to Birmingham and back – and raised more than £1,000.

Afterwards George, from Selby, said: ‘I’m exhausted, but also thrilled to have completed both the number of hours and miles that I did during my cycle – I can’t pretend it was easy, of course, but I had the support of my family, friends and kind-hearted strangers to get me through. It was all made even more worth the while knowing I was raising money for Thrive.

When visiting Thrive’s Reading and London sites and seeing them in action, I can see the massive benefits and purpose they bring to some people’s lives.’

Cycling fundraiser George Evans

‘Gardening is a passion of mine and I know first-hand the huge benefits it can have on an individual’s life and Thrive does just that – improves the lives of individuals through gardening for wellbeing. When visiting Thrive’s Reading and London sites and seeing them in action, I can see the massive benefits and purpose they bring to some people’s lives.’

Stacey Lewis, Thrive's Fundraising Manager, said: 'We're delighted that George completed his endurance ride and really appreciate the money he has raised, which will help us improve people's health and wellbeing through gardening. What a great effort!'

But that wasn’t the end of George’s generous support for us.

He has donated much-needed gardening product to each of Thrive’s garden sites via his business, Irrigatia – makers and manufacturers of eco-friendly garden watering systems. It will also see him take on a volunteer role to help Thrive set up and maintain Irrigatia systems at our gardens in Birmingham, Reading and London.

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Jamie enews