Team complete 1,000-mile bike ride in memory of Kelsie

Phil Edmondson admitted it was a mixture of pleasure and pain as he and four others cycled 1,000 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Aug 2015, 19:30 BST
Toby Campbell, Phil Edmondson, Gareth Jones, John Jones and John Edmondson John O'Groats to Land's End charity cycle (s)Toby Campbell, Phil Edmondson, Gareth Jones, John Jones and John Edmondson John O'Groats to Land's End charity cycle (s)
Toby Campbell, Phil Edmondson, Gareth Jones, John Jones and John Edmondson John O'Groats to Land's End charity cycle (s)

Phil (40) was raising money for Ronald McDonald House, a place where parents of ill children can stay while they are treated at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, in memory of Burnley-born four-month-old {http://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/local/little-beauty-loses-brave-battle-for-life-1-1668446 Kelsie Rose Broomfield}, a relative who died from meningitis in 2006.

They have so far raised £8,000 with the aim to reach their target of £10,000.

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“It was an amazing experience with an amazing team,” said Phil, who rode with Toby Campbell, Gareth Jones, John Jones and John Edmondson.

Toby Campbell, Phil Edmondson, Gareth Jones, John Jones and John Edmondson John O'Groats to Land's End charity cycle (s)Toby Campbell, Phil Edmondson, Gareth Jones, John Jones and John Edmondson John O'Groats to Land's End charity cycle (s)
Toby Campbell, Phil Edmondson, Gareth Jones, John Jones and John Edmondson John O'Groats to Land's End charity cycle (s)

“We passed through some fantastic places and saw some breathtaking scenery.

“On the flip side, we encountered some of the worst weather possible and some of the hills were gruelling.”

Phil had support from Burnley firms Rectella International, where he works, and their sister company Flexible Reinforcements.

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“We had low days and high days and days when we wished we didn’t have to get on the bike but we had great team spirit that got us through.

“We cycled 1,008 miles over 12 days, climbing a total height of 63,396ft.

“We haven’t a final total as yet as the money is still being collected but we are up to £8,000 at the moment and hoping it gets to our £10,000 target.”

Phil explained why he did it: “It was in memory of Kelsie Rose as, in September 2005, my sister-in-law Susan Broomfield gave birth to her daughter Kelsie Rose 15 weeks premature.

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“Kelsie weighed just 2lbs but that Christmas was allowed to come home.

“In January 2006, Kelsie fell ill and was taken back into hospital and was then taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital after contracting pneumococcal meningitis,

“Sadly on January 31st, Kelsie passed away aged four-and-a-half months old.

“Ronald McDonald House enabled Susan and husband Lee to be at Kelsie’s side at all times and were there to help them cope when Kelsie passed away.

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“Without Ronald McDonald House and the amazing staff it wouldn’t have been possible for the family to be with Kelsie throughout her illness.

“We would like to thank everyone for there donations support and encouragement throughout.”

There is still a chance to sponsor Phil on https://www.justgiving.com/phil-edmondson/

Related articles:

Phil’s £10,000 bike ride in memory of Kelsie

{http://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/health/local-health/cycle-team-s-1-000-mile-trek-for-tragic-kelsie-1-7203047|Cycle team’s 1,000-mile trek for tragic Kelsie)

Related topics:Burnley