At the end of February, 2004, Julian Wilde undertook a sponsored cycle ride around the island of Cuba.

This was a charity bike challenge undertaken in association with Charity Challenge, an organisation which arranges some 30 different challenging expeditions around the world for the purpose of raising money for charity.

Julian Wilde chose to raise money for several causes:

two schools he had previously visited in Sri Lanka and St. Kitts;

the Brian House children's hospice in Blackpool:

A hospice based in Fylde which provides care for children suffering from life threatening and life limiting diseases.

the Blackpool Victoria Hospital heart unit.

A new Specialist Cardiac Centre development to double the number of heart procedure performed and reduce waiting times for heart patients.

Oakley Holidays

(Both of the northwest UK-based charities were nominated by the Mayor of the Fylde for fund-raising during 2004).

The challenge

The cycle challenge took place in Cuba from 27th February to 6th March. It covered a gruelling 270 miles / 440 kms around the island, starting and finishing at the capital, Havana. In order to participate with Charity Challenge, each participant pledges to raise a minimum sum of money for their charitable causes.

By encouraging people to donate sponsorship money online through the organisation, JustGiving, supporting the challenge financially was made quick and simple. JustGiving also arranged for the collection of the 28% bonus paid by the Inland Revenue under the Gift Aid scheme for all donations made by UK tax payers.

Success!!

As a result of Julian Wilde successfully completing this challenge, and the generous support he attracted, a sum of approximately £5,000 was raised for the various worthy causes.

In April, Julian Wilde attended a charity presentation ceremony hosted by the Mayor and Mayoress of the Fylde for 2003-4, John and Jean Longstaff, pictured right.