Hungerford couple celebrate 165-mile D-Day charity ride for premature babies

A local couple has raised a three-figure sum after a charity bike ride across Normandy.

John and Sarah Stirland, from Hungerford, successfully completed a 165-mile bike ride challenge across Normandy on Saturday, September 16 — raising £3,000 for premature babies.

Their team of six cycled to raise money for New Life — a charity founded in 1995 by Trevor Goodall to fund special baby care units across the UK — and to commemorate the D-Day Landings, which will observe its 80th anniversary next year.

The route took them via numerous iconic landmarks including Pegasus Bridge, Omaha, Gold and Juno beaches — with a volunteer support crew keeping them fuelled with energy snacks along the way.

Speaking about how he and his wife became involved with the challenge, Mr Stirland said: “I've known Trevor for 40 years, probably longer.

“He's always run this charity and he's done an absolutely fantastic job over the years.

"But I've never really had time to get too involved with some of the things he's done.

“He has something on every weekend, and I found myself with the time to do things and so thought it would be nice to get involved, and hopefully raise some money along the way.” And that he did.

Mr Stirling continued: “Me and my wife both cycle quite regularly and it's a lot flatter out there than it is over here.

“Over here, there's a lot of hills, even on a shorter ride.

“The riding is tough, but I think doable for anybody with a reasonable level of fitness.”

“This was my second D-Day cycling event for the charity,” added fellow participant, Chris Marlow. “It doesn’t matter how many times one visits the landmarks; it is still an emotional experience knowing the events that took place in Normandy in the Second World War.”

Mr Goodall founded the charity in memory of his two sons, Joshua and Samuel, who were born three months premature, and both died after a week.

Speaking about this recent challenge, he said: “What a lovely group of cyclists we had this weekend.

“Everyone was fully engaged with the history and the camaraderie was great.”

So far, the charity has supported many hospitals including Reading, Basingstoke, Swindon and Oxford.

And it is organising an even bigger event to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings next year.

The event is almost fully booked, with more than 30 cyclists signed up.

Please visit www.newlifebabies.org.uk for further information.